Niagara and the War of 1812

On 18 June 1812, the US declared war on Great Britain, thus declaring war on the British occupied territories of Upper and Lower Canada. For years during the Napoleon War that was taking place in Europe a British blockade had attempted to cut off the colonies from their republic and made them dependent upon British trade for European goods.

The Canadian (British) army was badly outnumbered by the Americans, but better prepared for war. After a loss by the Americans at Detroit and another at The Battle of Queenston Heights the American army managed to seize Fort George on May 27, 1813.

The British army retreated up the Niagara Peninsula, regrouping and once again fended off American attacks at the Battle of Beaverdams and The Battle of Stoney Creek. On December 10th the American army for various reasons deserted Fort George and burned the town of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) to the ground.

On July 3, 1814 the Americans once again crossed into Canada and gained control of Fort Erie, but on August 15, 1814 the British launched an attack against the fort. This attempt by the British would prove to be a disaster with over 1,000 British casualties. On the 5th of November 1814, with supplies and morale running low the American troops destroyed the fort before retreating to Buffalo.