Fort George, Niagara on the Lake, ON

Gord and I spent the afternoon at Fort George.

During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army. These forces included British regulars, local militia, aboriginal warriors and Runchey's corps of freed slaves. Major General Sir Isaac Brock, "the saviour of Upper Canada" served here until his death at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October, 1812. Brock and his aide-de-camp John Macdonell were initially buried within the fort. Fort George was destroyed by American artillery fire and captured during the Battle of Fort George in May 1813. The U.S. forces used the fort as a base to invade the rest of Upper Canada, however, they were repulsed at the Battles of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams. After a seven month occupation, the fort was retaken in December and remained in British hands for the remainder of the war. After the war, the fort was partially rebuilt, and by the 1820's it was falling into ruins. It was finally abandoned in favour of a more strategic installation at Fort Mississauga and a more protected one at Butler's Barracks.

Gord's an expert on the War of 1812 and I like history so it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Here's Brock's original grave.

Gord loves cannons.

It was fun to watch the musket demonstration. It's LOUD!

Here's Gord at attention.

The blockhouse was cool.

You had to go through a tunnel to get to it.

The view was great ... this is looking across the river at the U.S. who were attacking us back in 1812.

Here are me and Gord.

Then back down the narrow steps.

And back through the tunnel.

Here's the kitchen where the meals were made.

I would have been a terrible wife back then since I don't sew, iron, etc.

Patrick gave an interesting lecture about the weapons (swords and guns) ... you know how much Gord loves swords, you can imagine his excitement!

The prison ... oh oh! Let us out!

The soldiers' barracks ...



If you are in the area, you should check the Fort out ... it's really interesting!