"The War of 1812 on the Niagara River" Topic

"Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Niagara Falls each year to view this magnificent natural wonder. Yet two hundred years ago, the Niagara region was the scene of fierce battles and desperate skirmishes during America's second war with Great Britain. The thirty-seven mile long waterway that connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario is more accurately a strait rather than a river. In 1812, it marked the border between the province of Upper Canada (present day Ontario) and the state of New York. Flowing north from Lake Erie, the river has low banks and is easily crossable by boat. Once past the mouth of the Chippewa River however, the rapids lead to the falls. Niagara Falls is the geological result of water flow over the Niagara Escarpment. This 180-foot tall ledge extends across the Niagara Peninsula in Canada and well into New York. Over the millennia, the river carved a steep-sided gorge between the falls and the lip of the escarpment. As the river emerges from the gorge, it flows between high banks that are an impediment to cross-river traffic. In 1812, the river valley was dotted with small farms and settlements. These Canadian settlers were largely refugees displaced by the American Revolution, sprinkled with a number of newcomers who were born in the United States and immigrated to Canada for cheap land…"

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Armand

There are reminders of the War, some well-preserved forts from the era. Fort Erie, Butler Barracks, Fort George and Fort Mississauga on the Canadian side and Fort Niagara on the U.S. side. All worth a look if you are in the area.

Been to Forts Erie and Niagara. Both are excellent.

Thanks

Armand

Every year I take part in battle reenactments at Fort Erie. I can recommend going to check it out.

(smile)

Armand