What Was a War of 1812 Bounty Land Warrant?

A War of 1812 bounty land warrant was a certificate from the U.S. government entitling an eligible veteran to free land in the public domain. Authorized by acts of 1811–1814, these warrants were intended to encourage enlistment and reward long service, but were often sold to speculators. This article explains their operation, history, and lasting consequences.

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How News of the Treaty of Ghent Reached North America

Signed on December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812, but news of the peace did not reach North America until February 11, 1815, when the British packet Favorite arrived in New York. The delay allowed the Battle of New Orleans to be fought after the treaty was signed and shaped American perceptions of the war’s outcome.

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