The Town of Niagara through the War of 1812
Witness the turbulent story of Niagara-on-the-Lake during the War of 1812, from pivotal battles to the town's fiery destruction and resilient rebirth.
The Battle of Queenston Heights (1836) by James B. DennisNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Jefferson's boast that capturing Canada would be "a mere matter of marching" proved wrong. The Americans were met by a prepared force of over 5,000 trained soldiers and more than 11,000 militiamen.
American Landing Place at Queenston (1869) by Benson J. LossingNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Americans Attack at Queenston
October 13, 1812: American forces launched a surprise attack across the Niagara River at Queenston. Major-General Isaac Brock and his troops were caught off guard in the early morning.
The Village of Queenston (1869) by Benson J. LossingNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Queenston Heights Redan Captured
The American forces successfully landed and captured the strategic redan at Queenston Heights, gaining control of the cannon that had been impeding their advance.
Major-General Isaac Brock and Lt. Col. John Macdonell were killed during the battle to retake the gun position. *Major-General Sheaffe arrived with reinforcements, including members of the Coloured Corps and Native warriors, who successfully recaptured the heights.*
John Norton and John Brant led Six Nations and other Indigenous warriors at Queenston. They played a vital role, providing scouting and front-line defence.
Fort George by Edward Walsh (1756-1832)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Fort George Under Siege
In 1813, Fort George and the Town of Niagara found themselves under heavy bombardment from the Americans. The British forces braced for an imminent invasion.
Battle of Fort George (1817/1817) by UnknownNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Fort George Falls
American forces landed on Lake Ontario's shore on May 27th, leading to heavy casualties. The British abandoned Fort George, retreating to Burlington Heights, and the Americans occupied the Town of Niagara until December 1813.
Following the retreat from Fort George, the British and Americans clashed at Butler's Farm over buried medical supplies. Captain John Norton's Native forces engaged the Americans and secured a victory, one of several skirmishes in Niagara during July 1813.
On December 10, 1813, the American Army abandoned the Town of Niagara and ordered it to be burned. Townspeople were forced into the streets as their homes were destroyed.
Mississauga Point LighthouseNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Mary Henry: Heroine of Niagara
Dominic and Mary Madden Henry served as lighthouse keepers during the war. Mary aided injured soldiers and sheltered those displaced by the burning of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Lighthouse plans (1909) by Gustavus NicollsNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The first lighthouse on the Great Lakes
Constructed in 1804, the lighthouse was dismantled in 1814 when the Coloured Corps began building Fort Mississauga. This new fortification was built to replace the destroyed Fort George
British forces retaliated for the burning of Niagara-on-the-Lake by capturing Fort Niagara on December 19, 1813. They then advanced south, burning villages and towns along the American side of the Niagara River, including Buffalo.
Following the Battle of Chippawa, American forces looted farms and then burned St. Davids on July 18, 1814. This act of destruction further inflamed tensions during the War of 1812.
Treaty of Ghent signature page (1814-12-25)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Treaty of Ghent
The Americans retreated after Lundy's Lane, and the final battle occurred at Cook's Mills. The Treaty of Ghent, signed on December 24, 1814, brought the War of 1812 to a close.
General Brock's Monument Above Queenston by William Henry Bartlett (1809-1854)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Niagara's Reconstruction Begins
By 1816, Niagara began rebuilding away from Fort Niagara's cannon range. Businesses relocated to Queen Street, closer to the river, and Butler’s Barracks was reconstructed inland.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.