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Home , Battle of Beaver Dams, Battle of Chippawa, Battle of Stoney Creek, James FitzGibbon, Old Fort Erie, Phineas Riall

Literacy Link Niagara is pleased to present a Past is Present Activity Book Community Book Project

Discovering Niagara’s History he war, spanning from 1812 to 1814 between the Tand Britain, was fought over control of the British North American colonies. Although outnumbered, combined Brit- ish, Canadian and Indian forces were able to repel the Ameri- can invasion. In 1814, was defeated in and the British were able to strengthen their forces in North America. The ended the war in 1814. As the situation was balanced, there was no exchange of territory. The conflict was an important event in establishing a Canadian identity and reinforc- ing ties with Britain.

Lake Did you know?

Fort George Newark Causes of the War of 1812 Tensions between the United States and Great Britain in-

UNITED STATES creased during the first decade of the 19th century due to issues involving trade and impressment of American sail- ors. Battling Napoleon on the Continent, Britain sought to Niagara Falls Chippawa block neutral American trade with . In addition, the Chippawa Creek Royal Navy utilized a policy of impressment which saw Frenchmans Creek British warships seize sailors from American merchant vessels. The Americans were further angered by increased UPPER Native American attacks on the frontier which they be-

Fort Erie lieved the British to be encouraging. As a result, President asked Congress to declare war as of June 1812.

Literacy Link Niagara Your link to adult learning Historical Word Search

Timelines T R C A L V A R Y S L A T T A C K T C A P M I N V A S I P N R D A I C Y E 1812 T A T T S S D A E C A E P F June 18th D R R I P L E K T O G S G T T O O War Declared T N L M S L C N U N L B S E R S R August 16th B I A D V A N C I N G D T T I M T Capture of M C Y M B B A T T L E F I E L D S October 13th Battle of Queenston Heights A M G T M N N F L C P F U E S R L D U E C R O F Y L E I I R K R K E V S T M C N C A R E V D C R E S S A K A N B N R R D T B A E S C O S 1813 N A R A B A S T I O N S R K I R E January 22nd The River Raisin C T T T T C R H A G T A I B F D V February 22nd E S S I O E A K I L W A F V F E T Capture of Ogdensburg S N O P A E W Y E P K B N N O R E April 27th A N S T U O C S E D S S U O I E E Capture of York D S Y A E A S P O O R T G S K D E May 27th Capture of Fort George BATTLEFIELDS ADVANCING CONTINGENT SHIPS EMBARKED FORCE June 1st The Shannon and CANNONBALLS GUNFIRE RECRUITS the Chesapeake ORDERED OFFICERS June 16th WAR COMMAND DISCIPLINE DECLARATION SIEGE VESSELS WEAPONS June 24th PEACE SOLDIERS Battle of Beaverdams MUSKETS ATTACK BASTIONS STRATEGY July 8th TREATY IMPACT Butler’s Farm FORTS FORTIFIED SETBACKS TROOPS CAMPS CALVARY September 10th SCOUTS INFANTRY ADVANCE October 5th Answer key is available at www.literacylinkniagara.ca October 26th Battle of Chateauguay November 11th Battle of Crysler’s Farm A S J M E N B T Z B I I O G F Hint: Received the message from 1814 July 5th July 25th R S I A S C I A O R K B C Battle of Lundy’s Lane December 14th Hint: Last words were said to be: “Surgite!” Treaty of Ghent — Latin for “Push on!” 1 2

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To learn all these 12 13 historical facts and more be sure to read 14

The Invasion of Canada 15 16 by Ron Dale

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27 28 ACROSS 29 3. key position captured by the Americans in October (two words) 30 31 7. month Americans landed at 32 Queenston 33 34

9. location where Brock met 35 (two words) 10. month US declared war on Britain 11. ’s commander DOWN (two words) 1. general’s tomb (two words) 13. Capital of Upper Canada in 1813 2. handle and metal blade, weapon 15. to win a battle by slowly wearing 4. location of Lake Erie dockyard down your enemy 5. thinking ahead 17. Shawnee Indian Chief 6. Brock’s aide-de-camp - rallied 20. a military position, the leader the troops upon Brocks death of an army 8. 41st and 49th ______22. headquarters in southern Ontario 12. against Canada in the war (two words) 14. process of removing sailors from American 23. the war consisted of many ______ships and forcing them to join the French or British navy 24. she warned the soldiers of an ambush 16. British brig anchored with the Detroit 27. both Britain and US declared this 18. defense of Ft. ______inspiration of 28. location of main Star Spangled Banner dockyard 19. French, ______, and natives defending Canada 30. one of the main weapons used by 21. Aboriginals 25. disagreement 32. what the soldiers wore 26. war Chief of the Mohawk, led Six Nations warriors 33. ______handled 29. a military unit fored by farmers, trappers and hunters disciplinary problems 31. nation reluctant to help the US 35. name of British brig anchored at Fort Erie 34. groups of soldiers and warriors fighting together Answer key is available at www.literacylinkniagara.ca The Past is Present Community Book Project is featuring The Invasion of Canada by Ronald J. Dale James Lorimer & Company, Publishers

Featured Book

Ronald Dale is a historian and the Superintendent of Niagara National Historic Sites, including Fort George and Brock’s Monument. In addition to The Invasion of Canada: Battles of Illustrated in full colour throughout, the War of 1812, Dale has also authored Niagara-on-the-Lake: combining paintings and modern Its Heritage and Its Festival, and The Fall of : How the photography, The Invasion of Canadais French lost a North American empire 1754-1763. a readable, appealing guide to the war of 1812. “...Prevost had learned that the British Orders in Council, one of the factors motivating the American declaration of war, had been withdrawn and he had suggested the armistice in the hope that the war could be brought to a peaceful conclusion....Brock was ordered to make no offensive moves and to sim- ply remain on the defensive. Brock seemed to foresee, however, that the war would continue, and he watched helplessly through September as the American army increased its presence along the Niagara frontier while few British reinforcements were made available to him...... ” The Invasion of Canada will be featured through book clubs at participating libraries across the Niagara Region:

Beamsville Public Library Fleming Fort Erie Public Library Centennial; Crystal Ridge; Stevensville Branches Grimsby Public Library Niagara Falls Public Library - Victoria Branch Niagara On The Lake Public Library Pelham Public Library Fonthill Branch Queenston Public Library St. Catharines Public Library Central Branch Public Library Won’t you Welland Public Library join us?

If you have read the book and would like to discuss it please join us for our online book club at www.literacylinkniagara.ca

“The goals of Literacy Link Niagara are beyond value. Books can take you to another time and another place, give the reader the thrill of adventure, a relaxing escape from day to day cares, an understanding of how things evolved to where they are today. Once reading becomes part of complete day, the reader finds a good book much more entertaining than any video production and much more information can be packed between book covers than could be duplicated in the longest TV documentary. I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this venture to encourage the people of Niagara to spend more time relaxing with a good book.” Ron Dale Featured Book Past is Present by Nancy Rotella Past is Present will be presented to the children within all licensed child care programs through the Early Childhood Community Development Centre.

Created specifically for the Past is Present Community Book Project In the past...

We could not travel very far And so it was, Because no one even had a car. Horses and wagons were the way Long, long To bring supplies we needed each day. ago!

“We have heard it said that children are our future and this is true. We must also recog- nize the importance of teaching our children about the past. In reading this book, I hope that the children will learn a little about the world they live in and what inventions or contributions have been made in generations past to make today a better place.

What has been created in the past is what is shaping the present. History has lead society into the future and our children will press forward with our help to create their own past.” Nancy Rotella

Featured Event

Brock Salutes The Past is Present Community Scavenger Hunt

Discovering Niagara’s History Saturday, September 22, 2012 11:00 am to 3:00 pm .....A family friendly activity

Additional details can be found at www.literacylinkniagara.ca War of 1812 Trivia 1) Who was the President of the United States during the War of 1812? 2) Who was the governor of Upper Canada during the War of 1812? 3) Name the capital of Upper Canada. 4) The war of 1812 was a conflict between what two countries? 5) What year did the war start? 6) The War of 1812 was caused mainly by the conflict over... 7) In 1812, trained soldiers were known as ______. 8) What was Niagara on the Lake called in 1812? 9) Can you name 3 battles that took place in the Niagara area? 10) What year did the war end? 11) What was the name of the Treaty that ended the war? 12) Who won the war of 1812?

Answer key is available at www.literacylinkniagara.ca

Did you know?

Upper Canada is the area of Canada that formed the geographical basis of Ontario created from the colony of Québec by the Constitutional Act in 1791. It was named Upper Canada because of its position on the upper part of the St. Lawrence River. The dividing line between Upper and was the River. The Union Act reunited Upper and Lower Canada into the . The two regions were then known as Canada East and Canada West until Confederation created the provinces of Ontario and Québec.

Impressment is the forced conscription or drafting of men into military service. Great Britain claimed, as a matter of national security, the right to force British citizens into the Royal Navy. Britain also claimed the right to intercept foreign vessels in order to search for and seize deserters from its navy as well as British citizens attempting to avoid naval service.

Aboriginal nations played a vital role in British victories during the War, including the tak- ing of Detroit, although it came at a considerable cost. In 1813, a popular leader, Tecumseh was killed in the Battle of Thames. This loss seriously damaged Aboriginal unity and confidence, causing much of their political clout in Upper Canada and the U.S. to vanish.

The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812. Neither side held the advantage in the military situation, so the treaty simply returned the nations to the situation that had existed before the war. Discovering Niagara’s History

he battle of Queenston Heights was a British victory early in the War of 1812 Tthat turned back the first American attack on the Niagara front. The United States decided to attack along the border in the expectation that the weak British forces in Upper Canada would be unable to respond to the simultaneous attacks. Unfortunately for the Americans, their attacks could not be coordinated. Warriors of the Six Nations of fought as allies of the British in this historic battle with the Americans. he house of Captain John Decou (The name was spelled by his relatives and descendants as Decew) was Tthe headquarters of the British outpost under James FitzGibbon . It was here that Laura Sec- ord came through the woods and swamps below the from Queenston on June 24, 1813 to warn of the American advance. The remains of the building are located along the north side of Decew Road, in Thorold. he Americans sent a force from Fort George to destroy a British advanced post at Beaver Dams. Warned Tof their approach by an Indian scout and by Laura Secord, a force of Iroquois from Caughnawaga and the Grand River, led by Captain Dominique Ducharme and William Kerr, ambushed the attackers near here on June 24th 1813 and compelled them to surrender to Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon of the regular . The monument can be seen at the Park in Thorold.

he Battle of Chippawa took place on July 5th 1814. An American army under Major General Tlaunched the last major invasion of Canada during the War of 1812. The Americans defeated a British and Canadian force commanded by Major General consisting of regulars, militia and Aboriginal war- riors. 200 men were killed and over 500 wounded.

he battle of Lundy’s Lane saw the British meet the invading American army on July 25th 1814. The armies Twere evenly matched and the six-hour battle lasted until darkness with heavy losses for both. Although both sides claimed victory, the Americans had failed to dislodge Lieutenant General from his position. They withdrew the next day, ending their offensive in Upper Canada. The monument is at the -cor ner of Lundy’s Lane and Drummond Road in Niagara Falls. ort Erie was captured by the Americans in July of 1814. They ended up retreating and blowing up the fort in FNovember of that year. The Pro Patria Memorial at marks the grave site of 150 soldiers who fell during the siege.

he Battle of Cook’s Mills National Historic Site commemorates a skirmish between British and American Tforces on October 19th, 1814. Cook’s Mills is a small settlement that is now part of the city of Welland.

To discover more about the War of 1812 and Niagara’s history visit www.1812history.com www.discover1812.com www.niagaraparks.com/heritage-trail/ www.visit1812.com n recognition of your participation in the Past is Present Community Book Project Literacy ILink Niagara offers you the opportunity to win the Fine Silver Proof Set - 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 (2012)

The lucky winner will enjoy the intricate detailing on the Proof Dollar depicting a British sergeant, a Voltigeur Canadien and an Iroquois war- rior wearing historically accurate uniforms and approaching the invader with unity of purpose to defend the border and colonies they represent. The proof set is a must have item for any history enthusiast. Value: $224.95

For additional information regarding this coin set please view: http://www.mint.ca/store/coin/fine-silver-proof-set-200th-anniversary-of-the-war-of- Enter to Win! 1812-2012-prod123000

For Contest Rules and How to Enter, Go to: www.literacylinkniagara.ca Contest opens Friday, June 22 and closes Friday, November 30, 2012

The Past is Present Community Book Project has been made available through the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Literacy Link Niagara (LLN) would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of bringing literacy activities to the families within the Niagara Region in commemoration of the War of 1812 and in celebration of our local history.

Literacy Link Niagara (LLN) would like to thank the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECCDC) and Brock University for their commitment to partnership and overall contribution to the success of this project.

A special thank you is extended to the numerous community members that have given their time and expertise to the Past is Present Community Book Project

Past is Present Community Book Project

Discovering Niagara’s History www.literacylinkniagara.ca [email protected] 905.650.3027