The War of 1812

Etheringtons love history.

We have degrees and libraries full of books that fuel our passion for the past.  And the large majority of our collection relate to one particular topic : war. 

And there was perhaps no more significant war in Canada's history than the war of 1812.

200 years ago The United States wanted to get back at the Brits for blocking trade with France (Hmmm did someone say Freedom Fries?)

  

So they declared war with Britain with the goal of seizing Canada and ending British power in North America altogether.

But the Brits and First Peoples fought gallantly - eventually repelling the Americans and laying the foundation for Canada's Confederation.  Thus ensuring that future generations of Canadians would NOT be singing Yankee Doodle Dandy.

But why just read about this in a book, when you can visit the battlefields in person!?

We might have been 200 years late to the party, but we were there!

The first stop on our tour was to visit the main man himself - General Sir Isaac Brock.

Brock was a brilliant and cunning military leader.  Although one could argue that leading your men into battle at an impressive height of 6ft2 (extremely large for 1800's) wearing a big hat and a bright red jacket probably wasn't overly brilliant.  But the American marksmen were certainly appreciative.

Brock wasn't exactly pleased that he was in charge of a colony an ocean away from his homeland.  He really wanted to be fighting Napoleon in Europe.  However, I feel certain that he would be quite pleased that his monument (as seen above) is actually significantly bigger than Admiral Nelson's at Trafalgar Square in London. 

Laura Secord never made chocolate.

She was a Canadian heroine of the War of 1812.  She risked her life to warn British forces of an impending American attack which contributed to the British victory at the Battle of Beaver Dams.

A highlight on our historic war tour of the Niagara region was Fort George.

When war broke out the fort was the official headquarters for the British army. 

I also declared it to be the official headquarters of AWE-SOME!

This honour was bestowed on it in large part because we got to witness this scene below...

Boy, did those yanks that were 75 yards or closer ever get it!

Beej meet musket.  Musket meet Beej.

Fort George had secret hide-out tunnels that I loved exploring.

Mom forgot her musket, so I was ever vigilant. 

If you search through Nana and Papa's photo albums from the early 1980's, you would find very similar pics like this one.

Like father, like son.

At Fort George I was awarded an official Explorer certificate and a special military dog tag by the British soldier who was obviously time travelling to the future.  

Upon having received so high an honour, I asked him in my finest British accent...

"Sooooo, old chap, when should I be expecting my useless but fancy officer's sword and my private room in the Captain's quarters??"

Next stop. Fort Mississauga. 

Fort Mississauga never saw a shot fired. It was built in 1814, after the Americans retreated and burned Niagara-on-the-Lake. The British rushed its construction to discourage the Americans from attacking again, as Fort George was in ruins at the time.  

Soldiers remained on-duty at the Fort until 1840. It was also used as a training facility during WWI and WWII.

And while it is the most original British fort from the War of 1812, it was never restored or ever open to the public.  Mom and I tried our best to break in, but to no avail.  All you get to do is walk around it and wonder what teenagers in the neighbourhood do here at night

  Moreover, this fort is actually located on a golf course and when you walk over to see it, you have to be careful of balls zooming past you!

Next stop on our 2-day tour (yes, we actually did this for 2 days) was the site of 'The Battle of Chippawa'

It was the battle of the Red Coats and the Grey Jackets (apparently there was a shortage of traditional blue cloth for American soliders, so General Scott's men were given grey uniforms.  Rumour has it that West Point then adopted the grey coats to commenorate this battle.  The cadets still wear grey jackets to this day)

Unfortunately for the Brits, the Grey Jackets were victorious - leaving a record number of red-coated casulaties behind. 

The battle site is essentially a big field.  This battle marks the first time regulars on both side engaged in open warfare (aka standing in a spacious farmer's field in a straight line 75 paces apart and taking turns shooting at each other) 

Oh no, not done yet (have patience loyal blog readers)

This is Old Fort Erie.  We went here too.

Lots of historic stuff happened here. But will spare you the dets save the fact that it is officially Canada's bloodiest battlefield with over 3,000 troops killed and wounded during its seige

Hey look, more time travellers!!

Someone should tell the soldier on the right that we have anti-humidity hair product in the 21st century.

Okay, I can't help myself.  I must provide you with more history!!

As a compromise, here are 2 facts about Old Fort Erie that do NOT relate to the War of 1812:

1. It was the major crossing point into Canada of the Underground Railroad from 1793 to 1865

2. It was occupied by the Fenians (Irish Republican Army) during their largest raid in 1866

Well after days of forts and battlefields, me and my American friend here are all ready to end the war and sign the Treaty of Ghent.

In fact, I have a great idea...why don't we be great friends, trade partners and neighbours and have the world's longest undefended border! Sound good?!!

Let's celebrate - you bring the burgers and cokes and I'll supply the poutine!!