“Naval War of 1812″ abstracts the actions of that war between warships and merchant vessels. Fast, fun and easy to learn, it is great for new players, though gamers looking for more of a simulation of the era won’t find it here.

“Mr. Madison’s War: The Incredible War of 1812″ from GMT is a quick-playing, faithful simulation of the period, and the rules don’t get in the way.

“1812 The Invasion of Canada” is an easy-to-learn boardgame with strategic depth. It is the first in Academy Games’ new “Birth of American” series.

The USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat sailed from its berth in Charleston, Mass., Aug. 19, 2012, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the ship’s victory over HMS Guerriere.

On August 16, 2012, Detroit became the only American city ever surrendered to a foreign power.

‘Amateurs To Arms!’ is a card-play game that is also a solid simulation of the strategic military, economic, and political factors of the War of 1812. Over 100 event cards give it fantastic replay value.

The Eagle 2. Click to enlarge.

The War of 1812 is sometimes called America’s forgotten war, overshadowed by other conflicts in American history. It isn’t going to be forgotten during its bicentennial.

The national launch of the War of 1812 …

The bicentennial of the War of 1812 is less than a year away. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail has special events planned.