Treaty of Ghent

 

From: National Museum of the United States Navy

December 24, 2024 marks the 210th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

 

In 1814 - after months of negotiations - British and American delegates agreed to a peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 in present-day Belgium. It took time for the news to travel back to the United States. The last naval engagement of the war occurred six months after the treaty was signed, when USS Peacock captured East India Company brig Nautilus.

 

While the War of 1812 has a reputation as America’s “forgotten war,” it was a critical crucible for the new nation and U.S. Navy.

 

The USS Peacock was a heavy sloop-of-war commanded by Master Commandant Lewis Warrington. During the War of 1812, Peacock captured HMS Epervier in 1814 and was engaged in the last naval action of the war in June 1815 (USS Peacock vs. HMS Epervier; Painting, Oil on Canvas; By Tomiro; Courtesy of Navy Art Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command)