Important Dates in the History of the War of 1812 By kzucco Jul 4, 1776 United States declared its independence from Great Britain Sep 3, 1783 The U.S. wins its independence Mar 4, 1789 U.S. constitution is ratified Apr 30, 1789 George Washington becomes the first president of the U.S. Feb 1, 1793 War breaks out between Britain and France (and the Netherlands) May 2, 1803 Thomas jefferson oversees the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France Jun 22, 1807 British board the USS Chesapeake and force U.S. sailors into service Nov 11, 1807 britain imposes the Orders in Council, restricting American shipping Dec 22, 1807 Congress passes the Embargo Act, cutting off trade with Britain Nov 7, 1811 William Henry Harrison defeats the Prophet at Tippecanoe Creek Jun 18, 1812 The U.S. formally declares was on Britain Jul 16, 1812 USS Constitution outruns a squadron of British ships Aug 16, 1812 Americans in Fort Detroit surrender Aug 19, 1812 The Constitution attacks the British warship Guerriere Sep 10, 1813 Perry defeats the British on Lake Erie Oct 5, 1813 Harrison defeats British and Indian forces on the Thames River in Canada Mar 27, 1814 Andrew Jackson defeats Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend in Alabama Aug 24, 1814 British capture and burn Washington, D.C. Sep 13, 1814 British bombard Fort McHenry outside Baltimore Dec 24, 1814 Americans and British sign Treaty of Ghent in Belgium Jan 8, 1815 Andrew Jackson leads Americans to a decisive victory over the British outside New Orleans Feb 17, 1815 President James Madison declares the War of 1812 to be officially over