The War of 1812 has for whatever reason a certain obscurity in American History. Even more obscure is the so-called “Patriot Rebellion” and American invasion of Spanish Florida in 1812. On this week we discuss this period on The Florida History Podcast.

A conflict peripherally connected to the larger war between the United States and Great Britain (including the British colonial possessions in Canada), American forces actually invaded Florida and raised the stars and stripes on Amelia Island. The invasion was sanctioned by President James Madison, who in classic Madison fashion was indecisive and put in charge of the operation some disreputable characters.

A conflict that flared on and off for several years, even included the declaration of a “Republic of East Florida,” and the creation of legislative and judicial institutions. The rebellion was finally extinguished in 1814.