War of 1812 exhibit opens at Museum of Albemarle

“War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War” is the newest temporary display in the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City.

The small, banner display in the lobby commemorates the 210-year anniversary of the War of 1812, focusing on the efforts of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Revenue Cutter Service to bring Great Britain to the negotiating table and get recognition as a truly independent United States, according to the museum.

The display is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Navy, which is in the Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. and will run until September.

The war took place from June 18, 1812, to Feb. 17, 1815, and was sparked by conflicting maritime policies and competing western expansion along the United States-Canadian frontier, according to the museum. After two and a half years, the two countries reached a stalemate and ended the war.

“The Navy played an essential role in preserving the strategic status quo that led to an unconditional peace with Britain in December 1814,” Dr. Edward Furgol, former curator of the National Museum of the United States Navy, said in a statement.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

The Museum of the Albemarle is at 501 S. Water St., Elizabeth City.