Monday, 8 July 2013
The Battle of Stoney Creek
Two hundred years ago, Stoney Creek was a small village on the shore of Lake Ontario near the Niagara Escarpment. Today it is part of the large city of Hamilton, Ontario. In 1813, invading American forces arrived and established a camp of 3000 soldiers on the farm of James Gage. The American officers commandeered the Gage farmhouse as their headquarters, imprisoning the family in the cellar but not otherwise harming them.
Shortly thereafter on the night of June 5-6, 1813 under cover of darkness, 700 British troops who were stationed nearby launched a surprise attack. They had strict orders not to fire any muskets but to use only their bayonets when silently ambushing the American camp.
The British soldiers were accompanied by members of the local militia comprised of area farmers and merchants.
Iroquois warriors were there as well, led by Mohawk Major John Norton.
The silent ambush plan didn't really work out. Musket fire and native war cries soon filled the air and the battle was on! In the darkness, the fighting was fierce and confused. The Americans mistakenly thought they were outnumbered. Due to a couple of crucial American tactical mistakes, the British were able to capture their two senior officers. In 45 minutes it was all over and the Americans surrendered. While darkness remained, the British forces quickly dispersed back into the woods so the defeated Americans wouldn't learn how few in number they actually were.
Once again, Upper Canada was saved. And once again, may I say: Huzzah!
My Rare One and I took these photos at the Bicentennial Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek held in Hamilton on the weekend of June 1-2, 2013. We enjoyed the Re-enactment tremendously. The re-enactors are unpaid history enthusiasts who come from all over Ontario and the USA. They pay for their own uniforms, equipment and travel costs. Many set up camp at Battlefield Park and live there all weekend in an authentic period manner without cell phones, electricity or any other modern conveniences. Re-enactors talk the talk and walk the walk!