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Battle of Fort George
Fort George was the target of American Military leaders during the War of 1812. The attack on Fort George enabled the subsequent battle of Beaver Dams. Defending the fort proved dire as 1300 attempted to hold off a reported 4-5000 American troops. The fall of this fort is what would enable the Americans to travel from York to Beaver Dams (James H. Marsh, Canadian Encylopedia). -
American Capture of Fort George
As a result of being heavily outnumbered, British Commander Major John Vincent chose to retreat and marched his troops towards Beaver Dams. The Americans intended to use the fort to invade the rest of Upper Canada according to (James H. Marsh, Canadian Encyclopedia). The Capture of this fort is what allowed American troops to be able to continue marching into Canadian territory and on to the Niagara Region. -
Several Americans are Quartered in Queenston
Following the events at Queenston Heights some American officers were quartered in the nearby town of Queenston. One house where Americans were quartered included the house of a women named Laura Secord. It was here in which Laura Secord overheard the men discussing their upcoming plans of attack for Beaver Dams. Thus, she made the decision to set out to warn British troops. (Blake Chosa, Military History of the Upper Great Lakes) -
Laura Secord Sets out to Warn British Troops
Early in the morning Laura Secord sneaks out of her house in Queenston Heights to journey over 30km towards Beaver Dams to warn British troops. She planned to go and notify British Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon's. Along the way she trekked through the woods and supposedly through American lines before meeting an Indigenous group who came to be her guide for the rest of her journey. However, Fitzgibbons was skeptical if Laura Secord's information was accurate. (Jason Ridler, Canadian Encyclopedia). -
Battle of Beaver Dams
The Battle of Beaver Dams is considered a heritage moment of great pride in Canadian history that has brought Laura Secord to folklore status. Yet, in the United States the Battle of Beaver Dams is frequently overlooked when discussing the War of 1812. (Blake Chosa, Military History of the Upper Great Lakes). -
Indigenous Ambush
400 Indigenous allies from the Caughnawaga (300) and Mohawk (100) nations led by William Kerr began the attack. They ambushed the Americans as they attempted to travel along a wooded trail near Beaver Dams. John Norton, an important Mohawk leader was one of the Indigenous peoples who fought in the battle. After only 3 hours of constant fire by Indigenous allies Fitzgibbon's arrived with his regiment of only 50 men. (Jason Ridler, Canadian Encyclopedia). -
FitzGibbon's Arrival
FitzGibbon's arrived with 50 men in his regiment after 3 hours of fighting by Indigenous allies. The Americans were already ready to surrender after being terrified by the Indigenous ambush. The Americans reportedly feared what the Indigenous peoples would do to them if they were captured as the British played up Indigenous stereotypes to incite fear. Fitzgibbon's threatened that if the fighting continued he might not be able to control the "savages". (Jason Ridler, Canadian Encyclopedia). -
American Surrender
FitzGibbons claims upon his arrival he was able to begin discussions of surrender by convincingly alluding he had a vast number of British troops waiting to support him. Yet, it was not until Major P. W. De Haren arrived on the scene with greater reinforcements that a solidified agreement was made between both sides. (Jason Ridler, Canadian Encyclopedia). -
Laura Secord Recognition
Laura Secord's house is now a museum and many people complete her famous walk in the Niagara region. Yet, no mention of her was recorded in official battle transcripts. It appears FitzGibbon's wished to take all the credit for himself. Laura Secord did not receive recognition until 1860 when the Prince of Wales awarded her £100 for her bravery. But, this was the only recognition she saw alive. It was during the women's suffrage movement of 1880 she was truly raised to heroine status.(Gov Canada)
