Fayetteville has a long and distinguished military history and its citizens have made contributions in all of our Nation’s conflicts. In conjunction with the 200th Anniversary (2012-2014) of the War of 1812, the Fayetteville Transportation & Local History Museum, offers an exhibit that examines the role of our local community and the Nation during what is often referred to as America’s “forgotten war.”

At the outbreak of the War of 1812, Fayetteville drafted a resolution in which they declared their support and this resolution read in part;… “we will aid and support our government against the enemy and against all other powers, for effective defense and protection from abroad and ensuring tranquility and union at home.” After the declaration of war in 1812, the Robeson Republican Volunteers, a local militia unit, 70 men strong, marched out of Fayetteville. Brigadier General Thomas Davis (1764-1822) was Fayetteville’s ranking military officer emerging from the War of 1812, and commanded North Carolina’s First Brigade, which included local militia units. By June of 1813, a British fleet established a blockade of the Chesapeake Bay Region. Soldiers came ashore at various times and places to seize goods and harass residents. They grew bolder in their excursions, sacking various coastal towns. A British naval squadron was sent to the Ocracoke Inlet and briefly occupied Portsmouth, creating a panic throughout eastern North Carolina. Governor Hawkins called up local militia units in defense of North Carolina’s coastal ports and cities. The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry was deployed to Wilmington in defense of the state’s principal port city. Preparatory to their departure, the men of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry were assigned the duties of obtaining bread, bacon, spirits, wagons, pots, kettles and all other things necessary for the deployment. In addition, each member was levied five dollars to handle the expenses. The men of Fayetteville not only served in various militia units but also volunteered for service in the regular army and navy.

Beyond the military experience, the exhibit at the Transportation & Local History Museum explores life on the home front. Various domestic artifacts featured in the exhibit give the museum visitor a feel for life during the Federal period. During this period the quintessential symbol was the American eagle and other popular motifs included Greek- and Roman-style portraits and busts of patriotic leaders like George Washington, urns and urn-shaped designs, stars and stripes. Federal style furniture was typically light, graceful and simple with clean edges and straight lines. The exhibit also explores other domestic topics to include period architecture, fashion and literature.

At the North Carolina Veterans Park six large banners from the United States Navy History Museum profile the contributions of the Navy and Marine Corps during the War of 1812. These banners will supplement the educational panels on the War of 1812 already on display in the Veterans Park Visitor Center. The War of 1812 strengthened the young United States and firmly established its position in the world. It preserved American territorial and political integrity and helped to set the fledging new Republic on the road to greatness.

To learn more about the War of 1812, visit the Transportation and Local History Museum located at 325 Franklin Street and the North Carolina Veterans Park located at 300 Bragg Blvd. Admission is free. For more information call 433-1457.

After the declaration of war in 1812, the  Robeson Republican Volunteers, a local militia unit, 70 men strong, marched out of Fayetteville.