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Project:1812 – The Battle of Frenchtown

After the fall of Detroit to General Brock in the summer of 1812 the British moved quickly to establish a beachhead in the northwest to ensure the security of Upper Canada, and to hold the territory to fulfill a promise to their native allies that it would become their own country at the end of the war (should the British win). The capture of Detroit also put a halt to the planned invasion of Upper Canada from the west. President Madison replaced General Hull as the commander of the Army of the Northwest for the near bloodless capture of Detroit. He first put General Winchester in command, but Winchester was a cautious man and generally not very popular among the troops, in September he replaced Winchester with General William Henry Harrison. Harrison planned to take Detroit in a winter campaign in the early months of 1813. Harrison split the army into two columns, himself taking one column up to Sandusky, while a second column under Winchester was to secure the Maumee Rapids (near modern day Perrysburg, and the site of Fort Meigs). Winchester’s column consisted of 2,000 men mostly untrained regulars from the 19th US Infantry and Kentucky Volunteers (the famous Kentucky Riflemen), a handful of local militia also was a part of the column.

The Visitor’s Centre at the battlefield, go in and watch the presentation on the battle.

Just south of Detroit the small settlement of Frenchtown along the River Raisin had been secured by the British to ensure they had a vanguard should the Americans start to move up Hull’s Road to attempt to take back Detroit in the winter. This old military road still exists today and is known as the Dixie Highway. Procter sent a small group from the Essex militia reinforced with 200 native warriors to secure and hold the settlement. The residents knowing that an American force was nearby sent someone to inform Winchester of this. Winchester was under orders to remain at the Maumee to provide support to Harrison’s column should it be needed, however he went against those orders and sent a detachment of 900 men under Lieutenant Colonel William Lewis to drive the British force out of Frenchtown and secure the area. Upon their arrival on the 18th of January, Colonel Lewis ordered his detachment to charge across the frozen river, the sudden attack and brisk skirmish that followed quickly overwhelmed and drove back the small force that occupied the town. Once secured General Winchester brought the rest of his column north to further secure the town. Harrison over in Sandusky was pleased at Lewis’ action but feared that the British would launch a counterattack quickly and sent a detachment from the 17th US Infantry under Captain Nathanial Hart to further reinforce Frenchtown. Captain Hart found the town in disarray, pickets were few and far between and no major effort had been made to secure the town by January 20th. Winchester was of the opinion that it would take the British several days before the British would do anything, despite warnings that locals has spotted a large British force gathering near Detroit.

Today the battlefield remains preserved, surrounded by the modern city of Monroe, MI. There’s nothing left of the Frenchtown settlement.

Procter was already on the move, after the returning militia who had be chased from Frenchtown on the 18th he began to put together a counterattack at Fort Amhurstburg. He gathered a force of nearly 600 regulars from the 41st and Royal Newfoundland Regiments along with local militia, 800 native warriors under Shawnee Chief Techumseh and three artillery pieces mounted on unique sleds for easier transport in the snow. By the 21st they were within five miles of Frenchtown, and not an American picket in site. As the sun rose on the 22nd the British artillery opened fire upon Frenchtown while the regulars proceeded to line up. Although surprised the artillery bombardment startled the Americans and rose the entire camp in the process. Winchester was also awakened to the artillery fire. Native warriors skirted the settlement to cut off the southern escape route. While they moved they encountered General Winchester and his staff, quickly capturing the general and his aide-du-camp, Major James Overton. Chief Roundhead stripped Winchester of his uniform before bringing him to Procter. The Americans put up a fight but soon both sides began to suffer heavy wounds and casualties. Many of the American troops had not seen any sort of action before this. Many of the militia and regulars laid down arms and attempted to surrender, but the natives without a strong leader (Tecumseh refused to participate) just went on killing the troops even after they had surrendered. It was the resolve of the Kentucky Volunteers that kept the battle going. Procter, now holding Winchester as a prisoner demanded the unconditional surrender of the American forces. Procter played up on the American’s fear of a possible native massacre. Winchester relented and signed a letter of surrender sending it over under a flag of truce with Major Overton. By 11am the fighting had lulled, and the Americans were bolstered with they saw an officer approach under a flag of truce, their elation soon turned to confusion when it was Overton, and he had a letter from Winchester to surrender. Major George Maddison and the Kentuckians refused to surrender and continued the fight, but soon facing dwindling supplies and after assurances that the wounded and prisoners would be cared for issued his own surrender. The battle was over. Procter quickly moved out taking the British wounded and any American prisoner that could walk back to Fort Malden, while leaving the more seriously wounded at Frenchtown under the care of the locals, with the promise that he would send sleds to transport them back. But on the 23rd it wasn’t the sleds that returned. A group of 200 natives looking to avenge their fallen brothers fell upon the town. The remaining prisoners were rounded up, the more seriously wounded were left and the home were set on fire. The entire settlement was destroyed and the prisoners were force marched north, many were killed either by the natives or left to die were they fell.

A replica 3-pound canon mounted on a sled. Frenchtown was the only documented battle that used these sleds for artillery.

The real aftermath of the battle was the effect it had on the American public, the natives, already viewed as savages were now even more so painted in that light. Procter even did not hold the same command and respect that Brock had with Tecumseh. The River Raisin Massacre as it soon became known served as a rallying point for Kentuckians. The US army was soon flooded with Kentucky riflemen ready to avenge their fallen brothers from the Raisin. What was left of Frenchtown continued to be occupied by the British until September 22nd, 1813 when it was liberated by American forces. Those captured remained in British hands until the war ended two years later, including General Winchester. The battle cry of “Remember the Raisin” was heard across the Northwest and during the invasion of upper Canada in September and October of 1813.

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.riverraisinbattlefield.org/the_battles.htm
Web: www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/40

Photos:
Bronica SQ-Ai – Zenzanon-S 80mm 1:2.8 – Kodak Tri-X 400
Dev: Xtol (Stock) 6:15 @ 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.

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

Project:1812 – Fort Meigs

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You don’t want to visit Fort Meigs after a rain fall, trust me on this one. After a heavy rainfall the former supply depot becomes a swamp. Fort Meigs was one of many forts built through the mid-west through later part of 1812 and into the winter of 1813 to provide fallback and supplies for the advancing Army of the Northwest. Meigs however, being the one furthest north had the distinction of being the largest, and remains the largest palisade walled fort in North America.

One of the blockhouses along the wall, unlike other blockhouses these were not designed to house troops, but rather serve only as a defensive strong point. Often a cannon was mounted on the ground floor.

Built under the orders of General William Henry Harrison in the winter of 1813 on the bank of the Miami River as a supply depot for the newly formed Army of the Northwest and named after Ohio governor Return Jonathan Meigs Junior. Meigs had been an important ally to General Harrison during early conflicts with supplies and militia support. The newly constructed Fort Meigs was to serve as a supply depot and staging area for the planned invasion of Upper Canada in 1813, a palisade wall enclosed an area of ten acres, seven blockhouses served as defensive strong points, many mounting canon, five additional artillery batteries, two magazines, and various other support buildings needed to support the garrison of 2,000 troops. But the one unique feature of Fort Meigs was the 12 foot tall traverses through the interior of the fort, to protect against cannon balls, a feature that would later save the garrison.

Looking along the Palisade Wall

Fort Meigs was laid siege to by the British twice in 1813. The first and deadlier siege was from April 26th to May 9th of 1813. Forces under the command of General Procter attempted to seize and secure the fort. The interior traverses kept the British cannon balls from doing serious damage to the fort’s buildings and troops, and a raid by Kentucky riflemen made Procter’s siege useless. Bogged down by rain Procter lifted the siege and retreated back to Detroit. A second siege in July of 1813 also failed without doing any damage. On September 10th, 1813 General Harrison marched north and took with him most of the garrison at Meigs, the fort itself was disassembled, the ten acre fort was reduced to a simple square palisade wall with a single blockhouse, and a small garrison to keep the British from gaining a foothold in the area.

The 1908 Memorial

After the peace treaty was signed in February of 1815 many of the fort’s further south waned, and by May of 1815 the army had abandoned the old fort. Shortly after this the palisade wall and blockhouse burned to the ground, either by the army or by squatters. The whole area was purchased by Timothy Hayes, the area was used as a pasture for livestock, as Hayes and subsequently his family did not want to disturb the former fort lands and battleground. William Henry Harrison returned there in 1840 during this presidential run, and held a rally at the site of the former fortification he had commanded. Harrison’s rally was a success and he did win the presidency. Civil War veterans during a rally in nearby Toledo, OH decided to build a monument on the site in 1908 to the brave defenders of Fort Meigs. The Hayes family sold the land to the Ohio Historical Society in 1960 and by 1974 the society had rebuilt Fort Meigs to its original 1813 configuration, complete with blockhouses, batteries, palisade wall, and even the traverses (although they’re not 12 feet tall anymore).

The modern visitor centre.

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.fortmeigs.org/history/
Web: www.ohiohistory.org/museums-and-historic-sites/museum–historic-sites-by-name/fort-meigs/history

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – 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 – Fort Niagara

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Situated with commanding view of the mouth of the Niagara River, Fort Niagara has stood guard over the area for over three hundred years. It remains some of the oldest buildings in the upstate New York area. It has survived two wars, one siege, and has changed hands five times over its service. Today the old fort sits on state lands with sports fields and picnic areas that once served as prison camps and training grounds.

The gate house which dates back to the French Period.

An overview of the fort, when it was still in use, the grounds would have had many more buildings and tent lines.

The French established their first fort on the site in 1678, known then as Fort Conti served as an armed trading post and terminus of the Niagara Portage road. However a winter decimated the fort’s population and was eventually abandoned. The French returned and reestablished themselves in the area in 1687, and by 1688 the fort became the centre of the fur trade for the region. Extensive construction expanded the fort as tensions between the French and British Empires threatened to spill into North America. The Seven-Years war, or French-Indian war as it was known as in North America came to the fort in 1759 when British forces laid siege, eventually forcing the surrender of the fort in July 26, 1759. Under British control, the renamed Fort Niagara was expanded yet again.

The French Castle, the oldest building on the site was built in 1729.

The Fort continued to be held by the British through the American Revolution and remained a loyalist stronghold, throughout the conflict. It served as a base of operations for Butler’s Rangers. The British continued to hold onto the fort even after the Treaty of Paris was signed. It was not until 1796 that the Jay Treaty forced the British to turn over the forts on the American side of the boarder. The United States Army took control of the fort. A relation between the troops and officers between Fort Niagara, and its opposite, Fort George was amicable, and often commanding officers would have dinner with their counterparts. That of course all stopped when war was declared in 1812, Fort Niagara and Fort George and their various batteries along the river exchanging artillery fire. The most intense exchange between the two occurred prior to the Battle of Fort George in 1813 which saw the British forces driven from the Niagara Region. But in December of 1813, following the Burning of Newark (Niagara-On-The-Lake) and York; Fort Niagara found itself under British attack and through a clever surprise attack saw the Union Jack once again flying over the Fort. After the treaty of Ghent was ratified in February of 1815 the British once again turned Fort Niagara over to the United States.

A battery of “Long Nines” at Fort Niagara.

However the age of masonry forts was at an end, modern weapons, and advanced in Technology discovered through the bloody American civil war saw a much larger camp based military base expand around the old fort through the latter half of the 19th century and into the 20th century. The old French fort slowly deteriorated under the Military. Camp Niagara served the United States Army through the First World War and even the Second World War. During the Second World War a Prisoner of War camp was situated on the property also. However the locals were interested in the fate of the French fort, by 1931 the colonial fort was starting to be restored, and the grounds open to the public, and the fort was fully restored by 1934. The army continued to operate Camp Niagara through the Korean conflict and in 1963 dismantled the camp and turned the grounds over the civilian government as public land, Fort Niagara State Park was opened to the public in 1965. The US Coast Guard however maintains a detachment at the fort, giving Fort Niagara the title of longest continuously occupied Military bases in North America. Today the fort is a National Historic Site and musuem and is open to the public, they also host a reenactment of the capture of the fort on the Labour Day long weekend.

The Fort Niagara Cemetary, which contains the bodies of the men & women who died at the fort, and a memorial to those losts during the attack in December of 1813

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: oldfortniagara.org

Photos: Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X 400 (400TX)
Dev: Kodak HC-110 Dilution B 7:30 @ 20C

Project:1812 – Fort George

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Located just outside the historic town of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Fort George stands guard over the Niagara River, her guns set to fire upon Fort Niagara across the river in Youngstown, NY. In fact it was Fort Niagara that spurred the construction of Fort George.

The largest blockhouse on site, historically these were used as both barracks for troops and a defensive emplacement should the walls be breached.

Fort Niagara after its capture by the British in the French-Indian War in 1759 remained a loyal British stronghold throughout the American Revolution. When the Jay Treaty was signed in 1796 the British Army was forced to surrender the massive fort located strategically at the mouth of the Niagara River. They began construction of a new Fort on the Upper Canada side of the river named Fort George. Completed in 1802 it soon became the military headquarters for the region and directly under the command of General Isaac Brock of the 49th Regiment of Foot.

Cannons mounted along the large ‘flag bastion’ on site.

The new fort featured both log and earthwork bastions, cannons, blockhouses, a powder magazine, kitchens, a hospital, and a smithy. Its job was to defend British interests on the Niagara River, provide shelter for British troops, the local militia and the Indian Department. There is a story of how on the eve of the American declaration of war against the British Empire and subsequent invasion of Upper Canada, that the officers of Fort Niagara were dining at Fort George with their British counterparts. Upon hearing the news that war had been declared the dinner continued and the American officers were sent back to Fort Niagara, and the next day the two forts opened fire upon each other. The Americans laid siege to Fort George in May of 1813; a massive naval bombardment followed with a ground attack forced the British to retreat back to their fortifications at Burlington Heights. The Americans used the fort as their base of operations as they attempted to push further into Upper Canada. But after the engagements at Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams they retreated back across the river later in 1813 allowing British Forces to re-establish their garrison at Fort George.

The original powder magazine, the only original structure on site.

Fort George remained in British hands throughout the rest of the conflict. Although the fort remained garrisoned through the rest of the war, the completion of Fort Mississauga located closer to the mouth of the river lessened the importance of Fort George. The fort was left in ruins by 1820, the grounds repurposed for agriculture and even a golf course, as most military operations had been moved to Fort Mississauga or Butler’s Barracks. At the start of conflict during the First World War saw the grounds once again home to the much larger Camp Niagara training base. The 1930s saw a great interest in restoration of many of the historic forts in the Niagara region, Fort George was reconstructed at that time using the original plans from the Royal Engineers. Most of the buildings that occupy Fort George today are reconstructed with modern materials based on the original plans and layout, the powder magazine is the only original building on site and the oldest building in Niagara-On-The-Lake. The fort is operated under Parks Canada as a National Historic Site, reenactors on site dress as the 49th Regiment of Foot. The crown forces operate a drill school every April at the fort as well.

The officer’s quarters and mess.

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X Pan (TXP)

Sources:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge/natcul/natcul2.aspx

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

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The Battle of Beaver Dams created two Canadian Folk Heroes and was one of the stranger battles of the War of 1812, for it wasn’t won by force of arms but through audacity and deception. By the end of May 1813 most of the Niagara peninsula was in the hands of the Americans, they held Fort George, Newark (Niagara-On-The-Lake) and Queenston Heights. The British had been forced back to Burlington Heights, but after the Battle of Stoney Creek had established a series of outposts along the Niagara Escarpment. One of these outposts was at DeCew house near the settlement of Beaver Dams. The outpost at DeCew House was under the command of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of the 49th. Along with the Lieutenant was fifty handpicked men of the 49th and a band of Mohawk Warriors.

Laura Secord’s home in Queenston where all the action started.

The Americans still smarting from their defeat at Stoney Creek set out on a new offensive on June 22nd, a column of 600 troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Charles Boerstler set out from Fort George and made it to Queenston by 11pm on the 22nd and billeted in the town. Several officers stayed at the home of Laura Secord. During the night she overheard their plans to attack DeCew house and slipped out heading north walking the 27 kilometers to the house located in modern day Thorold. The Americans set out again in the morning of the 23rd, as they neared the escarpment at St. Davids they were spoted by Native scouts who also headed towards FitzGibbon at DeCew house. Their story was corroborated by the earlier information the Lieutenant had received from Laura Secord. FitzGibbon realizing he was seriously outnumbered began to lay his own plans for the American forces that were still under the impression the element of surprise was on their side.

The Ruins of DeCew house in Thorold, ON

By the 24th the Americans had made it over the escarpment and began to march along the Mountain Road towards the settlement at Beaver Dams. FitzGibbon had deployed his native warriors in the woods along the mountain road in ambush, and the small detachment of the 49th at the rear of the American column to prevent them from retreating. Boerstler became aware of the native warriors in the woods but refused to take any actions against them. As the American column approached the north east corner of Thorold Township the Mohawk warriors attacked the column, ambushing them in the woods. The American column broke, and scattered while continuing to be harassed by the Mohawks. The Americans wanted to drive the natives out into the open so that they could bring their artillery to bear, but with the warriors attacking from all sides it was difficult for the American commanders to organize their men into an effective counter attack. The battle raged on for a couple hours, FitzGibbon hearing the musket fire rode out to see what was happening, giving order for his own men to muster for battle. By the time he had arrived the Americans were preparing to pull back. FitzGibbon rode out to meet the Americans under a flag of truce only to encounter the Americans riding his way under the same flag. But FitzGibbon had a plan. He knew that his force was far outnumbered, even the native allies were pulling back, but even still he told the American officer that more natives were coming and he could not count on controlling them, in addition to the natives more British regulars were on their way and that their best move would be to surrender now. The Americans called FitzGibbon’s bluff and refused to surrender to a force that they could not see, but the bold Lieutenant offered to allow them to inspect the forces. The ruse was perpetuated as a group of Dragoons showed on the scene. FitzGibbon convinced the leader of the Dragoons, Captain John Hall to portray FitzGibbon’s superior officer, Major DeHaren, Hall stepped into the role with pride, informing the Americans that they could not inspect the British forces. The ruse was working, Boerstler was despite, he had many tired soldiers and more wounded. But the whole thing was nearly undone on the arrival of the actual Major DeHaren who began his own negotiations for the American Surrender. FitzGibbon pulled the major aside and informed him of the ruse that would allow for a British victory. DeHaren went along with the ruse and the surrender was signed.

The former battlefield memorial park in Beaver Dams, at the time I was unaware a new park had been constructed in downtown Thorold and the plaque moved there.

FitzGibbon was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Glengary Light Infantry for his actions at Beaver Dams. Laura Secord however was not recognized for her actions under later in the 19th century when FitzGibbon issued a written statement confirming her involvement in bringing the information to the Lieutenant. Today DeCew house is nothing more than a ruin having burned down in 1950; Ontario Power Company stabilized the ruin and installed a plaque explaining the value of the structure. The actual battlefield is paved over and a historic plaque that used to sit there was moved to a memorial park first in Beaver Dams but was moved to a new park in downtown Thorold.

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 75mm 1:2.8 and SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Plus-X Pan (PXP) and Ilford HP5+

Sources:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins
Web: www.battleofbeaverdams.com

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon

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This entry I’m writing specifically for my dear friend Erin, who like me, has a love for the War of 1812, in one of her recent blog posts she mentioned her new job at an independent children’s book publisher, and one of the recent releases from the company was on the war of 1812, and one of the lesser known heroes of the war. When you think of the War of 1812 and the heroes that came out of that war, on the British side, Isaac Brock and Laura Secord stand above them all, and yes, they both played important roles, but there was one other hero, whose tale intertwines with both this figures. His name was James FitzGibbon, an Irishman raised from the ranks that went on to serve Upper Canada twice in his career in the army.

Blockhouses at Fort George wheren FitzGibbon and the rest of the 49th of foot garrisoned from the early 1800s to 1813 when the American’s captured the fort.

FitzGibbon was born in November of 1780 in Glin, Ireland. His family was not wealthy, and at fifteen James joined the local Yeomanry, after three years of service he went onto serve in the Tarbert Infantry Fencibles, a home service regiment in Ireland. During his time in the Fencibles he was recruited into the British Army, the 49th Regiment of Foot. During his European Service with the 49th he fought in the battles of Egmond aan Zee and Copenhagen. It was in 1802, FitzGibbon, now a Sergeant along with the 49th and their commander Isaac Brock were sent to Upper Canada. Brock took the young man under his wing, teaching him how to be a gentleman, and in 1806 secured an ensign’s commission for FitzGibbon in the 49th. It was rare in the 19th century to have an officer raised from the ranks, and often was detrimental to the man in questions, but FitzGibbon seemed to slide into the role with ease, and by 1809 was promoted to Lieutenant.

The battlefield monument at Stoney Creek built 100 years after the battle in 1813.

Even early in the War of 1812, the Lieutenant managed to catch the eye of both the men and officers. Under the noses of the Americans managed to escort supply boats along the St. Lawrence River, and then again managed to keep the supply lines clear through the winter of 1813, bringing much needed supplies from Montreal to Kingston. Just prior to the Battle of Stoney Creek in June of 1813, FitzGibbon managed to infiltrate the American Camp, disguising himself as a farmer he peddled butter to the American soldiers to listen in on camp gossip. Using his intelligence, the British Forces, with FitzGibbon participating as a company commander, managed to drive off a greater number of American soldiers. After Stoney Creek, FitzGibbon raised a volunteer force of fifty men from the 49th to form an elite force of guerrilla soldiers to harass American forces in the Niagara Peninsula. FitzGibbon’s Bloody Boys as they were called often would use grey coats to cover up their usual red-coats to provide better cover. But it was on June 22nd, 1813, that FitzGibbon saw the crowning victory of his career. After a journey of 20 miles through occupied territory, Laura Secord, a resident of Queenston, brought news of on an American attack, designed to take out the thorn in their side, Lt. FitzGibbon. Secord brought news that five hundred American troops were heading towards DeCew house, his headquarters. FitzGibbon, his men, and several native allies took to the field. With the native Allies harassing the American column, FitzGibbon showed up, and under a flag of truce, informed the Americans that they were outnumbered, and surrounded. The Americans surrendered, and FitzGibbon was made a hero, promoted to Captain and transferred to the Glengarry Light Infantry. In the final years of the war FitzGibbon participated in the carnage of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

The Ruins of DeCew house where FitzGibbon setup his HQ during the lead up to the Battle of Beaver Dams and where he met Laura Secord.

After the Treaty was signed ending the war, James FitzGibbon remained in Upper Canada serving in the Incorporated Militia, and in 1826 was promoted to full Colonel. He also worked for the Adjutant-General of the Militia, becoming the assistance to the Adjutant-General, and in 1827 was appointed clerk to the Upper House of the Assembly. He was known for his ability to break up rants by house members, a skill that was put to use to break up a riot in 1832 outside William Lyon Mackenzie’s printing house. FitzGibbon, still a Colonel in the Militia played a role in the 1837 rebellions, trying to convince Lt. Governor Head to take action against the rebels, Head eventually conceded that the militia should be called out, and appointed FitzGibbon acting Adjunct-General of the Militia. FitzGibbon, in an act of defiance against Head, posted units on Yonge Street, which allowed them to easily intercept the Rebels that were marching from the north and managed to disperse them. After the rebellion had been quashed, FitzGibbon resigned in protest because of his treatment by Head. After the death of his wife in 1847, he returned to England, becoming a Military Knight at Windsor Castle until his death in 1863, and is buried there.

The memorial wall at the Lundey’s Lane Battlefield.

Sources:
www.herontrips.com/Fitz.html
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins

Project:1812 – Action at Butler’s Farm

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There is much to be said about the War of 1812. Big battles, great heroes (and heroines), and sprawling forts. But the war wasn’t all this, there were several smaller actions that took place over the course of the war, and I will feature many more over the course of the project. But for now a small taste.

You don’t just happen to come across the site of Butler’s Farm. It’s not exactly in the main tourist district of Niagara-On-The-Lake; you have to want to find it. It took me a second attempt to actually find the place. Located at the end of a shady residential street, aptly named Butler Street is a chain link fence and gate, behind the gate stands several grave markers embedded in concrete, with new granite markers listing the names of those whom are buried there.

Located at the end of Butler St. in Niagara-On-The-Lake is a small cemetary where the Butler family lay.

But in the early 19th century it was a farm, and in July of 1813 a small, little known battle happened on the site. During his forced retreat during the battle and capture of Fort George by American forces the British army left behind medical supplies, buried near the home of Mr. Cassel Chorus. On July 8th Major General Francis, Baron De Rottenburg ordered that these supplies be retrieved. A detachment consisting of members from the 8th (The King’s) Regiment of Foot, a group of native allies, and the Provincial Dragoons were sent in. Despite the proximity to the Fort and thus American Pickets the detachment managed to get to the farm without detection. But while the wagons were being loaded with supplies the American pickets engaged the British Native Allies. The Natives under the command of Captain John Norton of the Indian Department managed to hold the Americans back until late afternoon. They were forced to withdraw when several hundred members of the 13th US Infantry arrived to reinforce their pickets.

Seeing this as an opportunity Lieutenant Eldridge of the 13th took forty men and pursued Norton’s warriors. Only to find his force ambushed by natives hiding in the ravine, the initial volley killed eighteen soldiers including the brash Lieutenant. Ten Americans were taken prisoner while the remainder retreated and escaped back to Fort George. Norton’s forces only suffered three wounded warriors.

Today a plaque marks the spot describing this small skirmish, and also about the family that lay buried on these grounds. The Butler family, specifically Lieutenant Colonel John Butler is credited with the founding of present day Niagara-On-The-Lake. A new set of barracks were constructed after the War of 1812 well away from American guns and were named after the founder of the city. Butler’s Barracks continued to see operations up until the end of the Second World War.

Once a massive military base, Butler’s barracks have been reduced to a handful of buildings.

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_Niagara79.html
Web: discover1812.com/page/1813
Web: www.ontarioplaques.com/Plaques_MNO/Plaque_Niagara01.html

alex luyckx | blog

Explorer, Photographer, Wanderer

Tag Archives: war

Project:1812 – The Battle of Frenchtown

Project:1812 – Port Dover

Project:1812 – The Battle of Malcolm’s Mills

Project:1812 – Fort Meigs

Project:1812 – The Battle of Queenston Heights

Project:1812 – Fort Niagara

Project:1812 – Fort George

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon

Project:1812 – Action at Butler’s Farm