Two Maryland natives are giving a new perspective to the War of 1812 in a book they wrote that focuses on the entire region's role in the war.
The War of 1812 leaps off the pages of the book "In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake." It's something the authors said every Marylander should read.
"It's the kind of book that brings history to life for people. It isn't just dry, dusty stuff you learned in high school and was pretty boring. This is all really lively stuff," said local historian Burt Kummerow, who co-authored the book with Ralph Eshelman.
The two Marylanders show how the war specifically affected the entire Chesapeake region, not just during the burning of Washington or the Battle of Baltimore. They broke the information down into easily readable sections and have a lot of original illustrations.
"When people think about the past, of course, they have something in their own mind's eye, but we were really looking at an attempt by a really good illustrator to take a subject and recreate it on a page in a way that people could look at it and get an idea of what it must've been like," Kummerow said.
The book inspired an exhibit at the Maryland Historical Society, where visitors can get the 3D version of the information in the book and see some original artifacts, including Francis Scott Key's copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
They're things in which Kummerow thinks all Marylanders should take pride.
"As a Marylander, you should be proud about the fact that not only did Maryland fight its heart out in this war, trying to keep the British at bay, but some of the treasures and icons that came out of the war," he said.
Kummerow said he believes the Chesapeake region had a big hand in helping defend the nation and ultimately giving the country a sense of self.
"I think that's the biggest thing that happened as a result of this war, and some of the things that happened, like 'The Star-Spangled Banner' song and the famous flag that became such an icon. All of these things happened in Baltimore. I think Marylanders and Baltimoreans should be very proud," he said.
Anyone who is interested can get a copy of the book online. Those who join the Maryland Historical Society can get one for free.