War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance

Plans for the War of 1812 commemorations are well underway and it can be hard to keep track of all the different events, projects, and memorials that are popping up.

In Ontario, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism created 7 different regions to help plan and coordinate various bicentennial activities in the province. Each region had a different experience during war and will have a unique story to tell during the commemorations.

Below, is a list of the regions with links to their websites, where you’ll find information about their history, upcoming events and special projects. Some of them have put together great introduction videos, so be sure to check them out!

Niagara

Located between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and bordering New York, the Niagara region was one of the Americans' main campaigns to conquer Upper Canada. Fort George, which was the British headquarters during the war, was captured by the Americans in 1813 until it was retaken by the British seven months later. Other key events include the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812, where Major General Isaac Brock was killed, and the Battle of Lundy's Lane, one of the deadliest battles of the war.

Website: Discover1812.com
Flickr: Flickr.com/photos/niagara1812/
You Tube: YouTube.com/Niagara1812
Facebook
Twitter: @Niagara1812

South West Ontario

This region encompasses one of the main frontiers of the war, the Detroit frontier, and stretches along Lake Erie, from Amherstburg to Chatham-Kent.  It was in this area that General Brock and Chief Tecumseh met, and where together they launched a successful attack across the border at Fort Detroit on August 16, 1812. This region also includes the site where Tecumseh was killed at the Battle of the Thames, near Moraviantown.

Website: 1812ontario.ca
You Tube channel: YouTube.com/user/warof1812ontario

Western Corridor

Originally, there were only 6 tourist regions created for the War of 1812 commemorations. However, there was a great effort amongst community leaders and historians to have the Western Corridor included, as well. This region links the Detroit frontier and the Niagara region, along the north shore of Lake Erie. The region saw several key battles, including the British victory at the Battle of Stoney Creek, which is generally understood to be a turning point in the war. The area was also subject to many American raids, the most famous of them led by American General Duncan McArthur in 1814.

Website: WesternCorridor1812.com

St. Lawrence

This region covers the area around the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario, from Cornwall to Kingston, the primary naval base on Lake Ontario. The river played a key role in the war, providing defense and a method of transportation for troops and supplies. War of 1812 heritage sites in this region include Crysler's Farm (which was submerged under water with the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway), Fort Wellington, Fort Henry, and a plaque to mark the escape of HMS Royal George from an American fleet on November 9, 1812.

Website: Celebrate1812.ca
You Tube: YouTube.com/user/Celebrate1812
Facebook
Twitter: @Celebrate1812

City of Toronto

Although it was the capital of Upper Canada during the war, Toronto (or York, as it was known then), was not a main focus for American troops, who were more concerned with capturing more strategic bases. In 1813, however, American troops did invade York and pillaged homes and buildings, even burning down the capital's Parliament Buildings. They occupied York for 6 days until they abandoned it. Today, Fort York National Historic Site is Canada's largest collection of buildings from the War of 1812. The City of Toronto is planning a major revitalization of the site as part of their commemoration activities.

Website: Toronto.ca/1812
Facebook: Fort York National Historic Site
Twitter: @FortYork

Southern Georgian Bay

A lesser-understoood region of the War of 1812 is the Southern Georgian Bay area. However, the area served as a key communication and transportation route, especially to Fort Michilimackinac in present-day Michigan, which the British captured early in the war. This area is also home to the HMS Nancy, a British-supply ship forced into service during the war. When the Nancy was attacked in 1814, the British chose to set her on fire, rather than allow her to be captured by the Americans. The wreck was discovered in 1925 and is now displayed at the Nancy Island Historic Site in Wasaga Beach. The Southern Georgian Bay War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee is taking the overall lead in the regions planning for the 2012-2014 Bi-centennial.

Website: 1812bicentennial.com
They're still working on their social media accounts, but they've got a sense of humour about it!

Algoma

This region includes the area around Sault Ste. Marie and the historic St. Mary's River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron and separates Michigan and Ontario. From this region, the British launched one of their earliest attacks during the war — the capture of Fort Michilimakinac.

Website: Algoma1812.ca