The Combat Studies Institute is pleased to publish this staff ride handbook for the War of 1812 in the Niagara region. Between 1812 and 1814, the US Army fought a series of actions centered on the thirty-seven mile river boundary separating the United States from what was then the British province of Upper Canada. These battles are interesting for a variety of reasons. The War of 1812, during which the Niagara frontier saw the majority of ground combat, is often cited as an example of national unpreparedness leading to a series of military defeats and a failure to accomplish the national goals. The conflict also saw the transformation of the US Army from a frontier constabulary into the tactical equal of on the most professional armies of its time -- the British Army in Canada. The tactical actions then showed a slow maturation of capabilities on the US side.

Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited