Tag Archives: upper canada

Project:1812 – Bakus Mills

The battle of Bakus Mills was the battle that never happened. By 1814 American raiding parties roamed unopposed through the western stretches of Upper Canada (now Ontario). On the Niagara frontier the war had been fought to a stalemate and the balance of power depended on the supply lines that provided much needed food for the British Army. American forces attempted to disrupt these supply lines by sending raiding parties across Lake Erie and through Detroit.

The JC Backhouse Mill, yes, this is the original one built in 1798.

The J.C. Backhouse mill was constructed in 1798, and being a grist mill made it a target for these raids, as it was a major supplier of flour for the British Army. But for one reason or another it was never targeted. There are several stories surrounding why the mill was never targeted, while many others in the general area were destroyed. Backhouse was a major in the Norfolk militia, it was said that he had members of the militia light more bonfires than actual troops around the mill to trick the Americans into believing that there were more troops stationed there than there actually were. Another theory is that that many of the American officers were masons, deliberately avoided Backhouse’s property out of respect for a fellow mason. However the more likely theory is that the American’s never were able to find the mill in the first place.

Prospect Hill, the home of the Backhouse Family

Even though the mill survived the war, there were several skirmishes around the area that saw the local economy and private property destroyed. The local militia were outmanned and out gunned by the highly trained and well equipped American regular troops and volunteers that made up the raiding parties. The British had not been able to field an army in the west since their defeat at the Battle of the Thames, leaving the militia to fend for themselves.

A Log cabin, the Headquarters for the local Militia

The Backhouse Mill continued to operate until 1955 as a commercial flour producer. Today it still produces flour in the traditional method, being the oldest mill still in operation in Canada today. It’s the central building in the Bakus Heritage Village. Each September the village hosts reenactors, despite no battles actually being fought on the site.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
lprca.on.ca/backus/1812/

Photos:
Nikon FM2 – AI-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 – Kodak Tmax 100 (100TMX)
Rodinal 1+50 12:00 @ 20C

Project:1812 – Port Dover

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Located on a natural harbor on the shores of Lake Erie, the small town of Port Dover is known more for its famous Friday the Thirteenth motorcycle event than its involvement in the War of 1812. In the early 19th century the town was one of the key ports to the British control, the others at Turkey Port (Fort Norfolk), Port Ryerse, and Long Point provided shelter for the Royal Navy and the Provincial Marine. Using these ports the British maintained complete control over Lake Erie for the first half of the war, blockading the Americans, at least until an American Squadron under Oliver Hazard Perry defeated the British fleet on Lake Erie in 1813.

Downtown Port Dover as it appears today.

However Port Dover’s involvement in the War of 1812 started early on in the conflict when it served as the embarkation point for General Brock’s successful siege and capture of Fort Detroit. Brock along with members of the 41st Regiment of Foot arrived on August 2nd, 1812, linking up with elements from the York, Oxford, Lincoln, and Norfolk Militia, a 300 man strong force to reinforce the 41st Regiment at Fort Amhurstburg under attack from General Hull and the Americans. However water transport for only 100 men could be secured, Brock took the first 100 while the remainder marched overland. Brock’s campaign not only secured Fort Detroit, but also the now famous alliance with Shawnee Chief Tecumseh.

Brock’s cairn.

However by 1814, the western areas of Upper Canada had been vacated by most British Regular forces after their defeat at the Battle of the Thames, allowing American forces to raid along the coast destroying, for the most part Mills and supply lines feeding the British army now concentrated on the Niagara frontier. On May 14th, 1814 Lieutenant Colonel John Campbell landed with 800 US Regulars and a group of volunteers from the Pennsylvania Militia, and a group of artillery at Patterson Creek. After a minor skirmish with local militia the force marched on Port Dover on May 15th, unopposed they proceeded to take any supplies they could get their hands on before setting the entire town, including private residences on fire, after allowing the families to remove small objects from the homes, an empty gesture. After reducing Port Dover to ashes, Campbell’s force moved on to Port Ryerse, repeating what they had done to Port Dover. Over all Campbell’s forces destroyed twenty homes, six mills, three distilleries, and various other buildings. A local citizen overheard that this was in retaliation for British attacks on Havre Du Grace, Maryland, and Buffalo. The officers under Campbell were outraged with Campbell’s actions as where his superiors and he was brought before a court martial. The court censured Campbell for his wanton destruction of private property, disavowing it completely.

Port Dover’s freshly restored 18-pound carronade.

A letter sent to General Riall explaining this did little to prevent the massive assault against the American east coast later in August of 1814, resulting in the occupation of Maine, and the destruction of government property in Washington DC. Campbell died of wounds received during the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Port Dover’s harbor today.

Very little remains from the War of 1812 in Port Dover, a plaque outside of town speaks on Campbell’s destructive raids, and a cairn in a downtown park talks on Brock’s embarkation. A restored carronade and an information plaque stands in the same park explaining the town’s involvement in the war. Port Dover remains an active harbor on Lake Erie, but instead of military vessels it mostly focuses on a fishing fleet and pleasure craft.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.ontarioplaques.com/Plaques_MNO/Plaque_Norfolk02.html

Photos:
Nikon FM2 – AI-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 – Kodak Tmax 100 (100TMX)
Rodinal 1+50 12:00 @ 20C

Project:1812 – The Battle of Malcolm’s Mills

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By the end of 1814 forces on the Niagara Frontier had fought themselves to a standstill. Realizing that the British relied on their supply lines in the western area of Upper Canada the American Army arranged for a series of raids aimed to disrupt the supply lines.

Even after the destruction of their livelihood, the Malcolm family continued to live in the area well into the mid-19th century.

A column of 750 mounted volunteers from Ohio and Kentucky crossed into Upper Canada on October 26th, 1814 under the command of Brigadier General Duncan McArthur. McArthur’s column raided along the Thames River valley destroying crops, mills, and anything that could be used to supply the British army. The local militia got word of these raids and setup a plan to take on McArthur. Heavy rains had caused the Grand River to over flow it’s banks, so they sank all the boats and setup a defense at Malcolm’s Mills. McArthur hearing about a gathering of Militia, and finding no way to cross the Grand River turned his entire column south to disperse the locals.

The historic plaque marks the area near where the battle was fought.

The column clashed with the militia on November 6th, 1814. The column much better trained and equipped than the local members of the Oxford, Norfolk, and Middlesex militias along with native warriors, and quickly outflanked them killed 18 and wounding nine. The American’s suffered one killed and eight wounded. The remaining militia members were captured and paroled back to their homes, swearing that they would not fight in the war again. The following day American troops burned homes, the mills, barns, and anything they could find.

The neatly arranged headstones of the original settlers of the area, all of them United Empire Loyalists.

The Americans continued to raid further south towards Port Dover, but by November 17th, 1814 returned to Detroit, but were able to do serious damage to the local economy. Five mills were destroyed not to mention homes, barns, and crops. American troops proved to be civil to the local farmers issuing receipts for damaged properties. The Battle of Malcolm’s Mill stands as the last battle in the War of 1812 on Canadian soil. Today a plaque stands in the centre of the town of Oakland, where Malcolm’s Mills once stood. There’s no sign or marker where the mills once stood, but a Mill Street and Malcolm Street offer some clue to the town’s history.

A park now sits along the river, just off Mill Street. So I’m guessing the mills once stood there. The American’s did a good job, not even ruins are left.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.discoverbrantford.com/war_of_1812/local_connection/Pages/MacarthursRaid.aspx

Photos:
Nikon FM2 – AI-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 – Kodak Tmax 100 (100TMX)
Rodinal 1+50 12:00 @ 20C

400TX:365 – Week 11 – Bakus Mills

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I love wandering around historic sites, especially when they’re closed for the season, you don’t have to worry about children running around and getting into your shots, over protective parents worried about the young man with the massive backpack filled with four cameras, and the staff also wondering what I was doing with an old Speed Graphic press camera (let alone having to describe it to everyone there as you’re trying to line up your very first large format photo). It was also the one thing I was a little worried about because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get too close to the actual buildings but I was able to park fairly close to the village so it wasn’t too far of a walk. Bakus Heritage Village is built around the J.C. Backhouse Mill, and Homestead (Prospect Hill), is home to many 18th and 19th century buildings that are open to the public (when in season). The mill remained in operation under the Backhouse family until 1955, and was one of the few mills along the shores of Lake Erie and Western Ontario that survived the War of 1812.

I will make an effort to go back here when it is open to pay my way in, and make a donation, as the first time I visited Bakus was at a reenactment, and there was a fire that burned down their outdoor bake oven, which I was pleased to see had been rebuilt.

400TX:365 – Week 2 – Fort York

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Located in the shadows of condo towers, the gentle rumble of traffic along the Gardiner Expressway lays Fort York, one of the few reminders to Toronto’s colonial past as muddy York, the seat of government for Upper Canada. For those who have been following my other photography project related to the War of 1812 have already seen this particular location so I took a different spin, rather than capturing wider angle shots I focused more on the fort’s details. Fort York was established in 1793 under the orders of John Graves Simcoe, and built by the Queen’s York Rangers. In April of 1813 American ships landed troops on the shores their target was York. Troops deployed from the fort and already out on patrol were unable to turn back the intruders quickly falling back to the fort. Seeing the futility of putting up a fight, General Sheafe ordered the retreat to Kingston. In the heat of battle the flag was left flying as the British troops retreated, leaving the grand powder magazine lit on fire. As American troops entered the shattered fort the magazine exploded killing off the commanding General and many troops both American and British. With the British leaving the local militia to handle the surrender the Americans went through and burned the town. A second attack a few months later destroyed the rest of the Fort and the town. When forces finally returned at the end of 1813 the town and the fort was rebuilt and managed to repel a third attack. Today Fort York holds the only surviving examples of War of 1812 era buildings left, the two blockhouses date to 1813, along with 1814 era magazines. Several other buildings are rebuilds of 1815 and later structures based on original plans and original materials found when the Fort was turned over the city after the Military moved into the new Fort York Armouries.

Nikon F3 – AI-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4 – Kodak Tri-X 400 (400TX)
HC-110 Dil. B 4:30 @ 20C

Project:1812 – Fort Amherstburg/Fort Malden

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In most cases when a fort is destroyed and rebuilt it retains its old name. Fort Erie was destroyed four times over the course of its service as a military outpost and maintained its old name. Fort York continued with even when the city it once defended changed to Toronto. But in the case of Fort Amherstburg, after the destruction of this fort, when it was rebuilt it was given the name Fort Malden as it is known by today.

A bastion in the 1830s earthworks.

Fort Amherstburg was built in 1796 after the Jay Treaty forced the British to transfer control of Fort Detroit over to the American government. The simple earthworks fortification on the Upper Canada side of the Detroit River served as the central hub for British Military operations, the Provincial Marine and the King’s Navy Yards, and the British Indian Department in the Western frontier of Upper Canada. The fort had simple wooden frame buildings, and no blockhouses (and oddity in those days). Construction of the fort fell to the Royal Canadian Volunteers (a group of local citizens of Upper Canada raised as a fensible battalion). The fort was manned by members of the Royal Artillery and a detachment from the 41st Regiment of foot. Another group of British irregular soldiers, Caldwell’s Western Rangers also operated out of the fort.

The 1819 Brick Barracks, the only surviving military structure on the site.

When war broke out in 1812, the fort was General Hull’s first target when he landed his forces north of the fort in the small town of Sandwich (Today known as Windsor, ON). He marched south only to be opposed by the troops from Amherstburg, it was this engagement at the River Canard along with news that General Brock was coming with reinforcements forced Hull to retreat back to Fort Detroit. When Brock arrived it was at Fort Amherstburg the general met with Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, the two great leaders then launched their operation laying siege to Fort Detroit eventually forcing Hull’s surrender and recapturing Detroit with plans for moving further south. But in 1813 the British fared far worse in the western theater, several failed attacks and sieges forced the British to retreat, General Procter ordering the King’s Navy Yards, warehouse and Fort Amherstburg destroyed by fire leaving nothing for the quickly advancing American army, and the British pulled back along the River Thames (it was during this retreat that the Battle on the Thames occurred and saw the death of Tecumseh). The Americans soon began construction of a new fort over the charred ruins of Fort Amherstburg, calling their new smaller fortification Fort Malden. With the war focus shifting to the Niagara peninsula over the final years of the war the Fort Malden remained incomplete when the British reclaimed the region, building only a small barracks to house a small detachment of troops in 1819.

A visual representation of the 1839 No. 1 Barracks

But by the 1830s the threat of rebellion swept through the Canadas, and the British scrambled to build up their military presence, Fort Malden once again was surrounded by high earthworks and several new buildings where thrown up. The fort was garrisoned by members of the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment, with the 34th Regiment of Foot using it as a staging area. The fort continued to serve as a military base until 1851, when it was transferred over to the local government who setup a lunatic asylum until 1871. During this time the earthworks were lowered, and trees planted over the ground, several new buildings were installed as well. After the asylum transferred to St. Catherines (where it still operates today) the fort was left and forgotten. The two larger barracks were moved elsewhere in Amherstburg, one split into three separate buildings, all of which still stand today, and the second was left intact and used as a stable until 1920 when it burned down. The grounds were slowly sold off for private ownership; the 1868 laundry/kitchen became a private residence. It was in 1937 when many of these historic sites were purchased by the federal government for restoration, Fort Malden among them. Today the Fort Malden National Historic Site contains the original 1819 barracks fully restored to what it would have looked like when it was built after the War of 1812, the 1868 building now serves as the fort’s museum. Visitors can also see the remains of the 1830s earthworks and see outlines where the other fort structures once stood.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.amherstburg.ca/Attractions/Details/fortmalden.aspx
Web: www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/digi/war1812/contents/surrender/fortmalden.htm
Web: www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/digi/war1812/contents/retreat/retreatamherstburg.htm

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 75mm 1:2.8 – Kodak Tri-X Pan (320TXP)
Kodak HC-110 Dil. B 5:30 @ 20C

Project:1812 – The Battle of Queenston Heights

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When war was declared in the summer of 1812, the US had the idea that the Canadas could be seized in a very quick manner, a mere matter of marching. The idea was to launch several coordinated attacks across the borders. In the east General Dearborn would cross Lake Champlain and take Montreal, another attack would seize the British stronghold at Kingston. General Van Rensellaer would take the Niagara Peninsula, and General Hull would seize the western frontier at Amhurstburg. With these strong points secured, Quebec City and Halifax would be captured, and the British tied up with Napoleon in Europe would broker for peace quickly. At least that was the theory. Hull’s invasion of the western frontier was cut short when General Brock arrived, forcing him across the river, and then laid siege to Detroit. Hull surrendered Detroit rather than face the native warriors of Tecumseh. The attack on Kingston never materialized, and Dearborn’s army remained in Albany, NY. Van Rensellaer however was ready, but hampered by lack of troops and supplies to launch any attack on the well protected Niagara frontier. With Brock tied up in Detroit still, Van Rensellaer appealed to the much more cautious Lt. General Prevost and organized a cease fire along the Niagara River, including the restriction of British troop and supply movements. Brock returned to Fort George (his headquarters) by August to find the ceasefire in effect and his own plans of a pre-emptive strike against New York turned down by Prevost. By the time the ceasefire expired on September 8th, Brock was facing a much bigger and much better prepared American army across the river, and scrambled to deploy his own forces across the river.

Looking across at the Heights from Lewiston, NY. Close to where the American invasion was launched.

But the one thing Brock did not know was where the invasion force would land. British forces were stationed at (the still incomplete) Fort Erie, Chippawa, Queenston Heights, with a majority of the forces stationed at Fort George. Two failed crossings in October still had not revealed the American end-game, but by the early hours of October 13th, 1812 the target was clear, the Americans were heading for Queenston. Captain James Denis was in command of the forces at Queenston, he had the grenadier company of the 49th regiment of foot, elements of the 41st regiment of foot, along with the 2nd York Milita and the 5th Lincoln Militia, along with Royal Artillery manning the batteries at Queenston Heights, Vrooman’s and Brown Points. British sentries raised the alarm around 4am on the 13th, as the batteries opened fire making the already dangerous river crossing more deadly. The American guns stationed at Lewiston also opened fire on the British forces. American troops although initially held back soon overran the small detachment, finding a hidden path up to the heights seized the British batteries and secured their position. General Brock was awoken by the initial cannon fire, and rushed to Queenston, gathering Militia forces stationed along the river to bring into the fight. Upon arrival he found the militia and regulars in disarray. Brock tied up his horse and did what he did best, lead men. Drawing his sword he organized the shattered troops, and got out in front and led the charge to take back the heights directly in the line of fire coming from the heights. Now a British major general makes for an excellent target, and Brock resplendent in his red uniform with gold braid, a tall bicorn hat was just that. An American rifleman took the shot, striking the Saviour of Upper Canada killing him instantly. Brock’s Aide-Du-Camp, Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell attempted to rally the troops for a second attempt but he was also struck down by American fire. The troops scattered. But the actions of John Norton’s native warriors and members of the British Indian Department kept the American’s pinned down at the heights allowing the time needed for General Sheaffe and the bulk of the British forces to arrive, but not from where the Americans were expecting. Sheaffe knew of another way up the heights, from the north swinging his troops around outside of the village of Queenston scaled the heights to attack the Americans from the rear. Surprise was on their side. It also helped that many of the American militia had refused to cross the river claiming it was against the Constitution (Militia were required to defend their country, but not to invade another).

Brock’s smaller monument, located approximatly where he fell during his initial charge on the heights.

Sheaffe’s troops through volley fire and use of bayonets were able to force the shattered American forces off the heights and back to the river’s edge, where their invasion boats were gone, many still on the other side of the river or destroyed during the initial crossing or during the fight. With ammunition and spirits low there was only one option left. Rather than face slaughter at the hands of the British and their Native allies, Lt. Colonel Scott formally surrendered to General Sheaffe as the sun was setting. With 300 killed or wounded on the American side, the British took over 1000 prisoners, themselves only suffering 28 dead and 77 wounded. Despite the loss of the much loved General Sir Isaac Brock (he had received his knighthood shortly after he had been killed) the massive victory against the Americans sealed the resolve to defend Upper Canada should the Americans tried to cross again.

A small weather worn marker, showing where Sheaffe’s relief force scaled the heights behind the American forces.

This past October I was able to participate in the re-enactment of this battle, one of the biggest in the first year of the War of 1812, with 500 British, 300 American reenactors taking the field, made it the largest such re-enactment in Canada to date. Also 250 British reenactors took the march from Fort George to the Heights to remember the same march that Sheaffe’s troops had taken that terrible day in 1812. A reader of my blog posted a video of the event in one of my earlier posts. You can view it below.

War of 1812 Battle of Queenston Heights Historic Re-enactment near Brock Monument from Peter Mykusz on Vimeo.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/15

Photos:
Contax G2 – Carl Zeiss Planar 2/45 T* – Efke KB50
Blazinal 1+50 9:00 @ 20C

Project:1812 – The Capture of Fort Niagara

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The British were mad, and rightly so. In December of 1813 as the American’s retreated to winter quarters across the Niagara River they not only destroyed Fort George (Except for the powder magazine) and then at the urging of the treasonous Joseph Willcocks burned the town of Newark (Niagara-On-The-Lake) in an effort to turn the Canadian sentiment against the British rulers. This of course wasn’t the case, it made the local Canadian and British commanders turn their hatred towards the Americans.

The British Launch site for the operation

When General George Drummond arrived in the Niagara region as the British retook the area he immediately ordered the retaliation for the atrocities he saw. The Americans had left the civilian population without shelter or supplies. Many had taken shelter in the ruins of Fort George or built crude shelters out of the ruins of the town. Drummond’s first goal was to take back Fort Niagara, although it was the most powerful and defendable fort in the region, after the American’s had taken the Niagara region the fort was poorly defended by a drunken commander some members of the 1st US Artillery and 24th US Infantry. The remainders of the troops at the fort were sick or recovering.

The brigade landed several miles south of the Fort so that the pickets wouldn’t see the boats on the river.

On December 18th, 1813 Colonel John Murray lead a force of 562 British regulars across the Niagara River. Troops from the 1st Royal Scots Grenadiers, the 41st Regiment of Foot’s Light and Grenadier companies, and the 100th of Foot with members of the Lincoln Militia acting as guides and boatmen struck out under the cover of darkness from Upper Canada landing a few miles from the Fort. Drummond had made it clear to Colonel Murray that he did not want a long siege against Niagara, but a quick strike to take it back by surprise. Murray ordered the troops to remove their flints to prevent any accidental discharges. The American pickets were too busy keeping warm than actually watching for troops and were quickly overcome, surrendering the password the brigade made quick work of the other pickets without raising the alarm.

The Salt battery, part of the American defense along the river.

As the British approached the fort, they answered the challenge with the correct password and putting on a fake accent; they quickly took the gatehouse and opened the gate to the rest of the forces before the alarm had been raised. But it was already too late; Colonel Murray’s Brigade was inside and making quick work of the fort’s defenders. American troops managed to barricade themselves inside the south redoubt refusing to comply with the surrender order. They held off for several hours before the British forced their way inside and the order was given to bayonet the men inside.

The main gatehouse at Fort Niagara

Fort Niagara once again flew the Union Jack, and remained under the flag for the rest of the war. Steel and surprise had taken the fort giving the British again a foothold in the US; from there they struck out and continued on their mission of revenge of the burnings of 1813 by burning everything from Fort Niagara to Buffalo. The capture of Fort Niagara cost the British five men, and six wounded. The Americans lost sixty-five men, another six wounded, and took four hundred prisoners. The British also seized seven hundred muskets, and various clothing items including much needed shoes.

Written with Files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/42
Web: war1812.tripod.com/ftniagara.html

Photos:
Contax G2 – Carl Zeiss Planar 2/45 T* – Efke KB50 – Blazinal 1+50 9:00 @ 20C
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X 400 – HC-110 Dil. B 7:30 @ 20C

Project:1812 – The Burning of Niagara

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The tourist town of Niagara-On-The-Lake has not always been a town of boutique stores, fancy restaurants, and theaters. With horse drawn carriages carrying tourists along it’s quiet tree lined streets and the broad main street. In fact, the town has only been known as Niagara-On-The-Lake since the 1880s (officially recognized in 1970). In 1813 it was known simply as Niagara (renamed from Newark in 1798 when General Simcoe moved the capital to York), and it was under occupation of American forces.

One of many upscale hotels in modern Niagara-On-The-Lake

Following the Battle of Fort George in May of 1813 British forces had withdrawn to their strong hold at Burlington Heights, working towards building themselves back up to strength, leaving the entire Niagara region occupied by American troops. However the invasion force moved slowly through Upper Canada, only to be repulsed by the British at the Battle of Stoney Creek and Battle of Beaverdam. And now the British marched on Fort George, and winter was coming. General McClure faced with these, along with dwindling supplies. He made the choice to withdraw to winter quarters across the river.

St. Mark’s Anglican church dates back to the late 18th century. It was the home parish to many officers from both Fort Niagara and Fort George including Sir General Isaac Brock. The building they now worship in was rebuilt after the town was burned.

Usually such a retreat was a peaceful operation, military supplies were taken with the invading force, military outposts destroyed and the civilian population left alone or given a chance to leave with their possessions and supplies and seek shelter. But one man had another idea. Joseph Willcocks, who had earlier in the year turned to the Americans offering his service along with like minded men who have become disenchanted with British rule now served the American army as the Canadian Volunteers. Willcocks approached General McClure with the suggestion to burn Niagara, to give the British no quarter, supplies, or shelter when they returned and to turn the civilians against the British. McClure agreed. American Milita and Canadian Volunteers flooded the streets giving the populous mere hours notice before their town was going to be put to the torch. By the time British forces arrived the town had been reduced to ashes, the population seeking shelter from the harsh winter in the ruins of Fort George or makeshift structures constructed in the ruins. Willcocks’ plan backfired, instead of turning the population against the British, it united them, against the Americans. British troops launched an all out, no holds barred assault against the American side of the Niagara River. Starting first with taking back Fort Niagara and the end of a bayonet, then burning everything from Youngstown to Buffalo. By the end of 1813 the entire region had been reduced to ashes.

Niagara probably had many carriages, but probably not as fancy as this one today.

McClure for his part was stripped of command, Willcocks was branded a traitor and a warrant was put out for his capture. Willcocks eventually was killed in action at the Siege of Fort Erie in 1814. Both sides committed atrocities by the standards of the day. There were certain rules of engagement that were followed, and if they weren’t often officers, usually exempt from punishment, were forced to answer for their crimes. These actions also set a dangerous precedent for the remainder of the war, leading to the invasion of the US east coast in 1814 and ended with the burning of Washington DC. The citizens of Niagara however were undaunted and eventually rebuilt their town, which now stands as the Loveliest Town in Canada, a plaque in the historic downtown, and Fort Mississauga’s blockhouse (constructed of brick from the ruins of the town) are the only reminders of the dark chapter in the town’s history.

A block of buildings along the main drag of Historic Niagara-On-The-Lake.

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: discover1812.com/page/1813
Web: www.niagaraonfire.com/

Photos: Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Ilford Pan F+ (ISO-50)
Dev: Blazinal 1+50 11:00 @ 20C

Project:1812 – Seige of Fort Erie

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One of the last major battles on Canadian soil during the war of 1812 was also one of the bloodiest. By the end of July in 1814 the British had managed to take back most of the Niagara peninsula which had been overrun by the Americans starting with the capture of Fort Erie on July 3rd, 1814 (Buck’s Surrender), the Battle of Chippawa (Those are Regular’s by God), and finally turning the American’s back at the deadly Battle of Lundy’s Lane (Keep Calm and Fix Bayonets). After Lundy’s Lane, despite having the advantage General Drummond decided to wait, and reinforce his own shattered troops. And by early August 1814 began to draw his own siege lines to finally take back the American beach head at Fort Erie.

Much like the historical siege, many times the conditions then are mirrored during reenactments

But it was those delays that gave the Americans a decided advantage. The American engineers had been working tirelessly to complete and expand the defenses at the British fort that had never seen completion under the Union Jack. By August 13th 1814 Drummond’s siege lines opened fire upon the now expanded and completed fort. But he lacked the firepower from the distance his lines were at to be effective against the walls. General Drummond decided that the best way to prevent a long siege was to launch a direct attack on the fort using ground forces. On the night of August 15th Drummond sent three columns to attack the fortifications. The first column was to take the American fortifications at Snake Hill, 1,300 men under Lt. Colonel Victor Fischer. The Second column would go north to the Douglass Battery lead by Colonel Hercules Scott and 700 men. The third column was to attack the fort itself, 360 men under Lt. Colonel William Drummond. Despite going in after dark, surprise was not on their side, the mass mobilization was easily spotted by the Americans and the rain made it difficult to move stealthily through the wet grass. Fischer’s column engaged some American Pickets who managed to alert the main force at Snake Hill, soon found themselves under fire from the troops garrisoned there. Those who managed to reach the walls of the earthworks found that their height had been mis-calculated and their ladders much too short. After taking over a hundred casualties, Fischer was forced to pull back to the siege lines. Colonel Scott’s column fared no better, made up of a majority of the 103rd Regiment of foot again encountered American pickets who alerted the troops at the battery, forced into a small area between an embankment and the river, they were raked with musket fire and canister shot from the battery with deadly effect. Both Scott and his second, Major William Smelt were wounded in the action. The remaining British tried to save themselves by shouting “You’re shooting your own men” was only met with a brief pause before the reply “To Hell with You” was shouted back and the killing continued. The shattered 103rd soon fell back with over 300 casualties reported.

Reenactors portraying the Glengarry Light Infantry charge into the dry ditch

Drummond’s column fared a little better than the first two. Using the darkness and heavy smoke now hanging over the fort for cover they managed to capture the north bastion of the fort, the American gunners and troops fled at bayonet point. The 21st US Infantry managed to reorganize and opened fire on the attackers, with neither side gaining grounds both US and British troops turned the cannons inwards and began to fire at each other inside the fort. During the chaos the magazine under the north bastion exploded, sending a two-tonne cannon one hundred yards, 200 British troops were killed in the blast some Americans but most were sheltered in the barracks. Fearing the rest of the fort was mined the British panicked and beat a retreat back to their siege lines. The next day men wept openly for the sheer numbers of men lost during the failed assault. The surgeons worked for three days on the wounded with many more dying under the knife or of their wounds. Exposure and sickness also took its toll as their camp lacked proper shelter.

Volley Fire!

The American’s tried to break through the British siege lines twice in September, their sortie on the 17th saw the guns in the newly completed third battery destroyed, the Americans moved onto the number two batteries but before they were able to destroy those guns they were cornered by the 82nd Regiment. The first volley scattered the Americans who were offered surrender by the commanding officer, Major Pattison. Pattison was killed by an American rifleman, at which point the 82nd fixed bayonets and charged the remaining Americans killing or capturing the survivors. Drummond had already decided to lift the siege on the 16th, finally withdrawing to Chippawa on the 21st. Drummond in a letter to Sir George Prevost cited that heavy rain, illness, and lack of equipment forced the end of the siege. The Americans tested the British lines again in October but failed to break through the now recovered lines and holed up again in the Fort until November before destroying the rest of the fort and withdrawing across the river.

CHAOS!

Fort Erie remains a war grave and the bloodiest battlefield in Canada. The annual siege weekend, in August draws hundreds of spectators and has been taking place for the past 26th years. Battle demonstrations of Buck’s Surrender, Chippawa, the Night Assault, and the American Sortie are put on by hundreds of reenactors who also setup camps inside and outside the fortifications. Oddly enough, it always rains.

Photos:
Nikon D300 – AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G, Nikon D70s – AF Nikkor 85mm 1:1.8D

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers
Web: www.warof1812.ca/forterie.htm
Web: www.niagaraparks.com/old-fort-erie/history.html

alex luyckx | blog

Explorer, Photographer, Wanderer

Tag Archives: upper canada

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