WAR OF 1812Ā
More than two centuries ago on the shores of Lake Erie, British troops, local militia, and First Nations warriors joined forces against the American military in a battle to fight a U.S. expansion into Upper and Lower Canada.
The War lasted from 1812 to 1814, and while it ended with no changes to the border, it had lasting effects in Canada. The joint resistance to a common threat formed a group who began thinking of themselves as Canadians.
Windsor Essex was home to some important stories and battles during the War of 1812. As you travel through our region, you will explore the people, politics, and battles which helped define a war that threatened the existence of Canada. See forts that were surrendered, monuments and memorials later erected, artifacts preserved, and sites where American and British soldiers experienced great victory and defeat. These heritage sites commemorate a time when a new nation was forged while telling the stories that sparked the Canadian identity.
War of 1812 Historical Sites in Windsor Essex
River CanardĀ
Canoe down River Canard where the first shot was fired and the first two casualties of the War of 1812 occurred.
Kings Navy Yard ParkĀ
Take a walk-through Kings Navy Yard Park (formerly the Kingās Dockyard) where Provincial War Ships that fought in the War of 1812 were constructed.
Fort Malden National Hertiage SiteĀ
Explore the trenches and barracks at Fort Malden National Heritage Site, the main outpost for the British army in the Western District during the War of 1812. Here, British Major-General Sir Isaac Brock met Shawnee leader Tecumseh. They mustered First Nations warriors and local militia and attacked Fort Detroit in August 1812.
Sandwich TownĀ
Stroll the streets of Sandwich Town, one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements west of Montreal. Visit the historic Museum Windsor – Duff-Baby Mansion, home of Jaques Baby, where Shawnee Leader Tecumseh met with British allies prior to their retreat to the Thames River, after which the home was used as temporary headquarters of U.S. General Harrison.
Francois Baby House
WhenĀ U.S. General Hull invaded Canada, he took over the Francois Baby farm and used it as a headquarters. After Hull withdrew his forces, the British General BrockĀ took over the farm and ordered gun batteries be built and fired on Fort Detroit. Ā Make sure not to miss the Tecumseh Flag at Museum Windsor – Francois Baby House. It was reputedly used to shroud the body of Shawnee Leader Tecumseh upon his death at the Battle of the Thames in 1813.
Scars of War
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has self-published his original poemĀ Scars of War. The locally-created book sells for $20.00, with all proceeds to the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee. Written and first presented on Remembrance Day during pandemic lockdowns of 2020, Mayor Dilkensā poem is the story of a young Windsor man who leaves home to serve his country during World War II and returns a changed man. The poem highlights the power of love, understanding, and community support to heal a broken spirit. Young Jackās entire life changes when he leaves his family and friends to serve his country, and learns the scars of war do not have to be carried alone. The bookās dedication reads: āDedicated to the selfless men and women who fought to leave our world safer and better than they found it, as well as all those serving today, and their families and loved ones. May we always honour our Veterans, keep their stories and memories alive, and their legacies forever in our hearts. We will remember them.ā Those interested in purchasing a copy to support local Veterans are encouraged to visit Amazon to purchase directly from the supplier.
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