"War of 1812 Formations?" Topic

Was it mostly linear and skirmish or was column also used to attack? I am trying to decide on rules and wondering if I should go with Napoleonic or modify an America Revolution set of rules.

The American forces in the South attacked in columns. Used mounted gunmen to race to the flanks and rear of the Creek and dismount. The weak points were the connecting points of the units. Several good diagrams are available showing the attack column deployment. Talladegaand Horseshoe Bend. The Georgia and Mississippi forces used them to surround villages at Holy Ground, etc.

Hi Leadjunky,
I have written and produced a set of rules for the War of 1812. Although skirmish level, they are adaptable to larger battles. They also include a lot of scenarios. If interested, contact me at:
battlefield_designs at rogers dot com
Regards
Hitman
😎

At least one professional (Graves) argues that the British were attacking in column of divisions at Chippewa, and Scott was using a translation of the French 1791 Reglement. But really, brigade-size actions fought with smoothbore muzzle-loading flintlocks in the period are close enough that you should be able to start at either end and arrive at a satisfactory set.

Rules? Here:
link

If I ever get around to this period, I'll probably start with a modified ACW set: link

But I would also like to try playing Rockets Red Glare, Cousin Jonathan, and (with the right period mods) Rank & File. I also feel like Santa Anna Rules looks promising, with some modifications.

I will check these out. Thanks.
I had forgotten that I purchased Santa Anna Rules with 1812 in mind. It has been years so i will have to locate it and give it a re-look.

I'd say it's not so much the rule period [as all the AmRev, Naps and ACW rules I know allow fighting in column, line, skirmish, etc] as the ruleset.

There are so many little factors that go into making a ruleset "feel right" for someone, that it's hard to make any recommendation.

Both Rocket's Red Glare and its sister set for FIW have square formations and are 1:50 fig ratio. Makes for Units of 3-6 figs at times. They feel like an adaptation of someone's horse and musket set for 1750-1860. Still, they may be just your thing.

Hope you find the right set for you.