The great military effectiveness of semitrained local militia is one of the enduring myths of American military history. In this book Ed Gilbert reveals the truth behind this myth, shedding light on who these frontier men actually were and their role in the war of 1812. He chronicles how untrained and ineffective militia forces were transformed into a formidable fighting force through hard campaigning, fierce combat, and Andrew Jackson's equally fierce discipline. Contemporary illustrations and artwork depict the rough life on campaign, the uniforms worn by the militia, and how they fought and won crucial battles against Creek forces before inflicting a stunning defeat on the British Army in 1815, opening up the frontier for the new nation.

Introduction · Chronology · Recruitment · Training · Appearance and Equipment · On Campaign · Belief and Belonging · In Combat · Aftermath · Bibliography · Color Plate Commentary · Index

ED GILBERT is a native of Alabama, with a lifelong interest in the Creek War. He was a Marine Corps artilleryman, an NCO instructor in the USMCR, a college professor, and for 28 years worked in geological research and oil and gas exploration worldwide. Now semiretired, he works only on special projects. In addition to other volumes for Osprey, Ed is the author of a three-volume series on the history of Marine Corps tank units, Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific, Marine Corps Tank Battles in Korea, and Marine Corps Tank Battles in Vietnam.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.