The War of 1812 is a largely forgotten conflict. This is a shame, for the war played an important role in the history of the United States. While there is not an abundance of national-level studies, there is a positive lack of state-level studies. The state of Virginia saw significant action, from the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair on the road to war, to the defense of Norfolk against British invaders. Many Virginians supported war with Great Britain, while others vehemently opposed "Mr. Madison's War." The product of extensive primary and secondary source research, Virginians to Arms is an in-depth portrait of a state at war in the early years of our nation's history.