Old Fort Niagara releases new book on War of 1812

As the Western New York region prepares for the upcoming War of 1812 Bicentennial, Old Fort Niagara has released a new book on the conflict titled "Long Range Guns, Close Quarter Combat: The Third United States Artillery Regiment in the War of 1812."

The 144-page book traces the history of the regiment from its creation in early 1812 through the end of the war. The author is Richard V. Barbuto, Ph.D., deputy director of the Department of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Ka. He is a native of Dunkirk, and a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The War of 1812 has been called a "forgotten conflict." However, for the thousands of Americans, Canadians, Britons and Native Americans involved, the experiences were rich, sometimes intense, and vividly recalled. This book concerns a few hundred Americans who left their civilian lives and came together in a new organization. These civilians were transformed into skilled soldiers and, for about two years, marched across New York and into Canada to fight for their country. This new organization was the U.S. Third Artillery Regiment.

The book is available for $12.95 at the Old Fort Niagara Museum Shop in the Visitor Center.