The Battle of Beaver Dams

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The Americans made the mistake of discussing their plans at the home of James and Laura Secord in Queenston. As the story goes, Laura Secord made a perilous 30 kilometre journey to warn Lt. James Fitzgibbon of the impending attack and in the process became a Canadian legend. On June 24 1813 a force about 600 US Soldiers, complete with cannons and mounted volunteers, made its way towards Fitzgibbon’s headquarters when they were ambushed by about 400 Mohawk warriors in the thick woods east of a place called Beaver Dams.

Join Tim Compeau in our series War of 1812 — A Video Field Guide, as he brings to life the major events of this conflict.

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The Battle of Queenston Heights

Even though the Battle of Queenston Heights was a British victory, it will forever be known as the battle where Sir Isaac Brock was killed. Episode 1 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

The Battle of Frenchman's Creek

The Battle of Frenchman’s Creek (November 1812) was the second attempt of the Americans to invade Canada across the Niagara River following the battle of Queenston Heights and their defeat there. Episode 2 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Capture of York

In April 1813, Fort York was a strategic location, and capturing it would be a great success for the Americans. Seizing the fort would cement their dominance on Lake Ontario. Episode 3 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

June 1813: Thanks to a warning from Laura Secord, a force about 600 US Soldiers were ambushed by 400 Mohawk warriors in the thick woods east of a place called Beaver Dams. Episode 4 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Battle of the Thames

The Battle of the Thames (October 1813) was a decisive American victory that brought Michigan and the Old Northwest back under American control. Episode 5 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane

The final months of the War of 1812 were marked by increasingly fierce fighting. One of the bloodiest battles ever fought in Canada took place at Lundy's Lane in present-day Niagara Falls in July 1814. Episode 6 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

The Burning of Washington

It wasn’t common for the British to burn public buildings because it didn’t serve a military purpose. The burning of Washington in August 1814 was more an act of vengeance. Episode 7 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Long Lost War of 1812 Hospital Found

Jeffrey Seibert describes a long lost hospital site that was built towards the end of the War of 1812 to alleviate the pressure on the ships in the harbour that were being used as medical ships. Episode 8 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Food in the War of 1812

It’s difficult to fight a war on an empty stomach. In this video, historical reenactor Marie Zorniak, discusses her role as the camp cook and the task of trying to recreate the rations of 1812. Episode 9 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Brown Bess Musket in the War of 1812

During the War of 1812, British soldiers carried the India Pattern Flintlock Musket, affectionately known as "the Brown Bess." We spoke with re-enactor Kevin Thompson to learn more about this weapon of war. Episode 10 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Fort Erie: Bloodiest Battle in the War of 1812

In the summer and fall of 1814, the British and Americans conducted a desperate struggle for control of the Niagara peninsula. Episode 11 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.

Royal Newfoundland Regiment in the War of 1812

Members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were one of the most versatile groups of the entire war, on either side of the border. And yet, they were never given the battle honours that they should have had. Episode 12 of the War of 1812 Video Field Guide.