The Battle of York 1813
Did you know that in 1813, American soldiers attacked and occupied our city? This Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque at the east end of the Fort York parking lot tells of that horrific time:
Loyal residents of York (Toronto) were encouraged by early British victories in the War of 1812, but in 1813, they experienced first-hand the hardships of war. On the morning of April 27th, an American fleet appeared offshore and began to send 1,700 soldiers ashore two kilometres west of here. At first only a small force of Ojibwa warriors was in position to resist the landing. After fierce skirmishing the invaders advanced, overcoming defensive stands by outnumbered British and Canadian troops. As they closed in on the main garrison near here, the retreating British ignited a gunpowder storehouse. It exploded, killing 38 Americans and wounding 222 more. Victorious nonetheless, the Americans occupied York for six days. They looted and set buildings ablaze, including the Parliament Buildings.
Location Co-ordinates: 43.638342 -79.405092
Photo by Alan L Brown - March 2004
Related pages:
The Second Invasion of York
The Defence of York
Military Burial Ground
Fort York
Here are the comments for this page.
(none yet)
Write a comment for this page.
(Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.)
Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).