Spring 2008 Lewiston Burned to the Ground December 19, 1813: Local citizens run for their lives as British and Lewiston Indian troops burn Lewiston to the ground, seeking revenge for History destroying Niagara-on-the-Lake Mysteries The , fought between Lewiston’s Countdown the Americans and the British, took to Destruction in 1813 many twists and turns. The Americans were trying to drive Britain out Dec. 10: U.S. General George of North America, while Britain was determined to keep McClure decides to abandon Ft. her hold on . Some consider it the second American George in Niagara on the Lake Revolution. (Newark), Ontario. In the process, Lewiston citizens found themselves right in the middle of some he allows Joseph Willcocks, a of the most noted battles. On October 13, 1812, the Americans Canadian who joined the American invaded Canada from Lewiston and failed. side, to destroy civilian homes to deny However, over the course of the next year the advancing British troops shelter. Illustration by Lewiston-Porter student Kelsey Wilkins the Americans were successful in gaining But Willcocks methods were cruel Lewiston citizens desperately tried to escape the attack by the British and Mohawk and when the British discovered what Indians on the morning of December 19, 1813. About a dozen residents were killed and a foothold and occupied a portion of Southern everything was burned to the ground. Had it not been for the heroic efforts of the Ontario, including Ft. George in Niagara-on- happened, they were determined to local Tuscarora Indians, more Lewiston citizens would have been killed or injured. the Lake, known at that time as Newark. seek revenge on the Americans. But when the Americans were forced to Gen. McClure was subsequently Heroic Tuscarora Indians Save Many give up Ft. George and retreat to Ft. Niagara fired. Lewiston Citizens from Brutal Attack across the river, the British began planning their own invasion. A few days later, Dec. 18: British troops from Ft. The Tuscarora Indians saved the The warning enabled many hundreds of British troops and their Mohawk British General George cross the and lives of many Lewiston citizens the Lewistonians to escape in time. Phineas Riall led the storm the American troops and However, the overpowering British Indian allies, staged a surprise attack and attack on Lewiston morning of the British attack. captured Fort Niagara, while undertaking the capture Ft. Niagara in a surprise From the top of the Escarpment, were not forgiving. They chased the destruction of property from Youngstown to Buffalo. nighttime attack. 79 Americans are Tuscarora scouts saw the flare which Tuscaroras back to their reservation After the war, citizens returned home to rebuild Lewiston from killed or wounded and 344 are taken signaled the British capture of Ft. and burned their village, destroying scratch. The decade of 1815-1825 was to become Lewiston’s heyday prisoners. The Americans never even Niagara. Immediately, Chief everything, including the winter food as Western New York’s bustling commercial center. The Frontier had a chance to fire a shot. (The Longbeard and other braves rushed supply. House was built and became the finest hotel west of Albany and the huge 15-star U.S. flag the British to thwart the impending invasion The entire area was in ashes and Lewiston Academy (no longer standing) was the most prestigious captured that day is on display at the and warn their Lewiston friends and lives and families were ruined. The high school in the region. Some of Lewiston’s most impressive new Ft. Niagara’s Visitor’s Center.) neighbors. rebuilding began after the war. homes were built during that time, including the Barton House. This placemat is brought to you by our sponsor: After the Erie Canal opened in 1825, Lewiston’s prominence Dec. 19: The worst day in Lewiston’s declined and most of the commercial business shifted to Buffalo. history. British General Riall’s 500 Kim E. Burnham-Fechner, L.M.T. Don’t let neck and back pain troops and Mohawk Indian allies land Magnum Opus Massage Therapy ruin your life. Discover the at Five Mile Meadows (now Stella benefits of a Welcome to Lewiston, NY 736 Center Street, Lewiston professional Niagara) in the morning to begin their Specializing in neck and back pain. www.HistoricLewiston.org assault. Lewiston citizens ran for their massage and The Historical Association of Lewiston hopes you enjoy lives down Ridge Road as the Indians treatment from your visit to our historic and quaint village. Mark your Insurance Accepted: Blue Cross/Shield Prism; one of the area’s calendar for our next spectacular Historic Home Tour on and British burned Lewiston homes Independent Health Flex Fit Debit Cards; most respected Dec. 6 & 7, 2008. and buildings. About a dozen Aqua; Univera Discount therapists. It’s To get the latest news and monthly program notes, join our free email Lewistonians were brutally killed. time to enjoy life again! list by sending an email to: [email protected] You can also see Riall went on to destroy Niagara Falls Call Today: 716-628-4636 Make an appointment today. and download our past placemats at our website: HistoricLewiston.org Phone: 716-754-4214 and twelve days later, he destroyed 20% off your first visit with this coupon. Historic Lewiston placemats written and designed by Association volunteer, Lee Simonson Buffalo. (cannot be combined with insurance co-pays or any other discounts)