December 10,1813 NIAGARA ON FIRE!

On the 18th of June 1812, at the height of the Napoleonic conflict, the US declared war on Great Britain and struck at the only British possession on the continent: Canada. Most of the subsequent battles of the war took place along the international border, primarily in the Niagara Peninsula.

Following the battle of Fort George in May, 2013, Americans occupied much of the Niagara Peninsula including the Town of Niagara, now known as Niagara on the Lake. After occupying the town for almost 7 months, the Americans retreated on December 10, 1813. Prior to their departure and with the encouragement of the Canadian Volunteers, the American militiamen burned the town of Niagara. Those are the broad historic strokes but there are many fascinating historical details that need to be recognized and recounted.

In December of 1813 the NY State militia commander, George McClure was in trouble. The enlistment of many of his troops was expiring and his force was melting away. When the nearest British outpost soundly defeated a probing force sent out by McClure, he decided to withdraw across the river to the safety of Fort Niagara. December 10th was a cold and blustery day. Joseph Willcocks and his“Canadian Volunteers” were beside themselves. They had joined the side of the US army during the occupation and had been steadily harassing and deporting loyalists, so they were in a very tough position with the Americans abandoning the peninsula. Willcocks convinced McClure to give the order to burn the town on the pretext of denying shelter to the advancing British troops. Willcocks was determined to punish his former neighbours for slights he had suffered since joining the Americans. The Canadian Volunteers and American Militiamen went door to door warning inhabitants to get out what they could and at dusk,the destruction began.

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By the time the British approached, the scene that greeted them was beyond belief. Every building except one or two were glowing embers and the streets were littered with furniture. People were desperately seeking shelter, some in the Fort and some in crude shelters. The mood of the British troops was dark and they were soon plotting vengeance and retaliation in the United States. For his part in the burning of Niagara, General McClure was relieved of command. Willcocks was dead within the year, killed in a battle at Fort Erie.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

“ Beyond our natural heritage, Canadians also cherish our shared history. Anniversaries are an important part of how a society marks its collective progress and defines its goals for the future. A key milestone next year will be the bicentennial of the War of 1812. We will remember how those of diverse backgrounds and various regions came together to fight for Canada, ensuring the independent destiny of our country in North America.” from the throne speech, Ottawa, June 3, 2011:

Following the War of 1812 there was a new sense of pride among the people in having defended their homeland with courage. Large sums of British money spent on war supplies brought a new degree of prosperity. The flow of British funds had a positive effect on the economy. This war was in fact, the first step towards an increased sense of Canadianism.

The burning of the town in 1813 leaves a strong legacy even today. The current prosperity of Niagara on the Lake as a tourist draw is due in no small part to the beautiful homes of the Regency period that were rebuilt in the years after the war, With increased prosperity, a thriving ship building industry in town, and thanks to war reparations money, many imposing and historic buildings that make our town so unique still stand and attract tourists by the hundreds of thousands. Niagara on Fire allowed the town to completely rebuild and the key event that leads up to that needs to be recognized for its significance two hundred years later.

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" A town that has been in the hands of the enemy and again a heap of smoking ruins, and phoenix-like, rising from its own ashes, and now the quiet beauty of lake and river, forest and plain, rich vineyards and orchards of luscious fruit, may surely justify us...in rejoicing that we have a goodly heritage of which we may justly feel proud." -- Janet Carnochan, History of Niagara,

THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION OF NIAGARA

To run from May to Dec. 2013, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
This historic event in Canadian history – the occupation of our country by an invading force – can be highlighted in Niagara on the Lake over a period of 7 months with (4) students dressed as period American soldiers patrolling the Queen and King streets. They will also have 2 dominant “Guard Houses” located on Queen Street with US period flags flying. The students will “patrol” the town on different schedules to interact with residents and tourists and act as occupying soldiers. Literature provided will include posters, handbills and announcements.

Name of Event: Niagara under Occupation
Purpose of the event over the spring and summer of 2013 will be to inform & educate tourists and residents about the American occupation of this area 200 years ago. The event begins after the battle of Fort George in May 2013 and ends with the burning of the Town in December.

Occupation of Niagara – historical significance, background

On May 25, 1813, U.S. forces after having occupied and burned the government buildings at York (Toronto), set their sights on the town of Niagara and Fort George which was strategically situated at the mouth of the Niagara River. After a heavy bombardment that left Fort George in ruins the American forces made an amphibious landing about one mile west of the Niagara River. Despite heavy fighting, the badly outnumbered British forces defending the town retreated to Queenston and then on to Burlington Heights.

Most of the able bodied men fled the town with the militia. Those who remained were eventually taken prisoner by the U.S. forces. Niagara was a town under occupation. It was a difficult time with the women, children and the elderly having to carry on with their lives running their farms and businesses. Some men, led by Joseph Willcocks, joined the American side and formed the “Canadian Volunteers”. Farms and businesses were looted as the occupiers were seeking supplies and war prizes.

The American forces attempted to rout the British from Burlington, but were repulsed at the Battle of Stony Creek on June 6. The occupying Americans were being continually harassed by Native forces and British patrols. Plans to defeat these harassing forces

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were overheard by Laura Secord while American officers were staying in her residence in nearby Queenston. On June 22 Laura Secord embarked on her famous walk to warn the British forces at Beaver Dams. Native and British forces were able to ambush and defeat the Americans.

The U.S. forces were unable to break out from Niagara and Fort George to win a strategic victory. As the months wore on, many of the U.S. militia forces returned to their homes and farms. U.S. General McClure, faced with dwindling forces and with winter approaching, abandoned Niagara and crossed the Niagara River to U.S. soil on Dec 10, 1813.

As he left, his forces set fire to the town of Niagara. This set the stage for further repercussions eventually leading to the burning of Washington and the White House.

NIAGARA on FIRE

December 7th, 2013. This event has been developed by key members of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee since the fall of 2010.

There is a unique video being prepared to commemorate the significance of this event. The video will be shown on a very large screen outdoors at Market Square. Because of the time of year (mid December) the Square is sheltered and will be augmented by displays in the Courthouse. There is a pub and several restaurants nearby to help attract extra visitors and provide shelter. The Square itself is large enough to hold up to 500 people, with over 200 of those people getting maximum viewing of the large screen.

The Video: the video itself will tell the story of the burning of the town, what led up to it and its consequences. Only the moving image can provide the full impact of the devastation of the event 200 years ago. Twenty minutes is long enough to leave a lasting memory and understanding of the extent of the cataclysm. This will be looped every ½ hour to present to successive groups. The impact of the video is the key to this event, but we also plan to add other dimensions to make the night memorable. It can also provide a legacy – the video would be reproduced and shown in schools and sold afterwards.
Using the side of the courthouse at the same time, there will be a “light and sound” show that will depict the town’s burning and the subsequent misery. The noise, light and movement will surround the spectators. The whole effect will prove dramatic.

Event Date: Dec 6 & 7, 2013 –The event is to coincide with the Candlelight Stroll week-end.
Dec 6, Fri: Special Preview night.
Dec. 7, Sat: NIAGARA on FIRE in Market Square 6;00 to 10;00 pm
Market Square will be outfitted with bales of hay as seats.

Indoors: Displays & period goods will be for sale inside the courthouse. Booths for the sponsors. Productscan be supplied by the Friends of Fort George from the Fort store.

www.1812niagaraonthelake.ca

VOLUNTEERS contributing their time, energy and ideas include:
Rick Meloen, 1812 NOTL Bicentennial Committee
Tony Chisholm, 1812 NOTL Bicentennial Committee, Director, Friends of Ft George
Rob Mackenzie, President Quartek Group
Doug Ferguson, Niagara on the lake resident
Barbara Worthy, Sound and Light concept planner; CBC Associate
Vanessa Groeneveld, Dir of Marketing -Whirlpool Jetboats
Jim Alexander, Communications Committee Chair, 1812 Bicentennial and Dir, Friends of Fort George
Mario Iaizzo, Videographer for the 1812 Bicentennial
Susan Hawes, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Sandra MacDonald, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Al Whitehead, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Shirley Gibson, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Murray Paton, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Tim Moxam, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Yvonne deSouza, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

Laura Gibson, Resident of Niagara on the Lake

SPONSORSHIPS

Contribute to the History of Niagara on the Lake

Support the event planned to mark the 200th anniversary of the Occupation and Burning of the Town of Niagara on the Lake

We need your financial assistance to help make our commemorative event successful.
This is a very special time for our region. It marks the 200th anniversary of the war that changed the course of Canada and began this country’s march towards a unique, proud and independent nationhood.

We need your support not only for this event but to help educate locals and visitors alike on our rich history and to create a legacy for the future. Be a part of the creation of that Legacy. Canada and the Unites States have the longest unprotected border in the World! Please help us celebrate the 200 years of peace that Canada has shared with our American neighbours, and the shining example we have set for the rest of the world!
Thank you for your support in making our history come alive!

Our Sponsors

PALATINE ESTATE WINERY
911 Lakeshore, Niagara on the lake www.palatinewinery.com
Visit our winery and try our special edition brand of 1812 wines.

THE OLDE ANGEL INN
224 Regent St, Niagara on the Lake,
www.angel-inn.com
The oldest pub in Canada and we feature great food and lively entertainment.

SIMPSONS PHARMACY
233 King St, Niagara on the Lake, www.simpsonspharmacy.ca
Your friendly neighbourhood pharmacy in Virgil and Niagara on the Lake

EPICUREAN RESTARUANT
84 Queen St., Niagara on the Lake, www.epicurean.ca
Fine dining and great lunches on Queen St. in the heart of Niagara on the Lake

HENDRIKS VALU-MART GROCERY STORE
130 Queen St., Niagara on the Lake www.valumart.net
Your friendly neighbourhood grocery store in downtown Niagara on the Lake

NINA GELATERIA & PASTRY SHOP
37 Queen St., Niagara on the Lake www.ninagelateria.com
New Gelato, pastry and sandwich shop featuring natural foods.

GRAPE ESCAPES WINE TOURS
King St., Niagara on the Lake www.tourniagarawineries.com
Features winery tours by car or bike right from the heart of Niagara on the Lake.

NIAGARA COLLEGE CAMPUS
Niagara College Residences www.stayrcc.com/notl
Niagara College campus suites available for low cost summer accomodation.

KARAT JEWELLERS
Fairview Mall, St. Catharines www.karatjewellers.ca
The official jewellers of the Niagara on the lake Bicentennial

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE REALTY
109 Queen St, Niagara on the Lake www.notlrealty.com
For all your realty needs and now a part of Christies International Real Estate

IRISH DESIGN
75 Queen St, Niagara on the Lake www.irishdesign.com
Store that features all things Irish including sweaters, coats and much more.

NIAGARA HOLIDAY RENTALS
Phone: 905-468-8985 www.niagaraholidayrentals.com
Featuring a wide selection of homes
availablefor vacation rental in and around
old town Niagara-on-the-Lake

PHIL'S VALU-MART GROCERY STORE
www.valumart.net
Your community grocery store in Virgil conveniently located on Hwy 55

Colaneri Estate Winery
www.colaneriwines.com
348 Concession 6 Rd. Niagara's newest
Tuscan inspired destination winery.

Old Town Country Landing B&B
www.otcl.ca
Where Olt Town meets wine country.
Operated by a 5th generation resident.

Ravine Winery
www.ravinevineyard.com
In the historic village of St.Davids featuring a bistro restaurant and premium VQA wines.

Starbucks Coffee Canada
Now, in the heart of Niagara on the Lake
at 118 Queen Street
Phone: 905.468.5310

Kevan O'Connor, Royal LePage Real Estate
www.kevan.com
If you are thinking about purchasing or selling a home in Niagara, contact Kevan at
905-468-7700

Travis Cairns of State farm Insurance
and Financial Services
www.calltravistoday.ca
Auto, Home, Life, and Business Insurance as well as Investment Products to meet your needs.
905-468-2221

TD Canada Trust
on Stone Road in Virgil For all your banking and investment needs and featuring EasyWeb online banking. Banking can be this Comfortable Call:905-468-5509

Niagara's Finest Inns
www.niagarasfinest.com
Features three unique hotels: The Shaw Club, Charles Inn and Harbour House all conveniently located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Call 905-468-6654

Colonel Butler Inn
www.colonelbutlerinn.com
Free daily breakfast, free on-site parking and free wireless internet access, every stay at the Colonel Butler Best Western is sure to be pleasant.
call 905-468-3251

Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club
www.notlgolf.com
Featuring classic golf, pro shop and waterfront dining overlooking beautiful lake Ontario.
905-468-3424

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTONS ARE WELCOMED and tax receipts are issued for contributions over $50.

Lead Title Event Sponsor: $100,000 Details available on request.
Platinum Level: $25,000 – Large area on the website under “Sponsorships” with appropriate logos and links Bicentennial package of Official Supplier products Permanent Plaque thanking you for your support. Logo as a major sponsor on all posters in advance of all events for the next 3 years. 2 Doz. Window Decals showing the logo and “Official Supporter” Prominent signage Media Release Major mention in several of the legacy videos featured during the 3 years of the Bicentennial Copies of the Commemorative Book and Video Dinner for 8 at a several special thank you event	Silver Level: $10,000 Mention on the website with logo and link Permanent Plaque thanking them for their support. Media Release Logo as a major sponsor on all posters in advance of all events for the next 3 years. 2 Doz. Window Decals showing the logo and “Official Supporter” Dinner for 2 at a special thank you event Mention in several of the legacy videos featured during the 2 years of the Bicentennial Copies of the Commemorative Book and Video	Bronze Level: $5000 Mention on the website with logo and link Permanent Plaque thanking you for your support. Logo as a major sponsor on all posters in advance of all events for the next 2 years. 2 Doz. Window Decals showing the logo and “Official Supporter” Mention in several of the legacy videos featured during the 2 years of the Bicentennial Copy of the Commemorative Book and Video