The War of 1812 is a largely forgotten conflict, at least south of the Canadian-US border. This is a pity, as the war profoundly shaped the young United States and the future nation of Canada.
The War of 1812 Boat Tour on July 3 will be one of the first opportunities to remedy that oversight. Sponsored by Buffalo Tours, this tour will depart from the Miss Buffalo Cruise Boats on Marine Drive at 10:00 am sharp. Boarding will begin at 9:30 am. Throughout the two-hour cruise, War of 1812 aficionados John Johnston and Chris Brown will regale us with tales of the war.
This tour is one of the first of many events that will commemorate the bicentennial of the war. Communities throughout Ontario and Western New York are busy planning and preparing for the anniversary. You might have read about the recently dedicated Peace Garden in Black Rock or the 1812 parade in Cheektowaga. The binding theme of these many different events is not a glorification of war but rather an opportunity to celebrate the peace that has existed between our two nations for the almost 200 following the cessation of fighting.
The war had major repercussions locally, especially because much of the campaigning took place on or near the Niagara Peninsula. Half of the casualties were suffered here as well. American forces invaded the peninsula each season beginning in October of 1812, beginning with the unsuccessful US attack on Queenston Heights. Forts York (Toronto), Erie, and George on the Canadian side and Fort Niagara on the American side were all occupied by opposing forces, and there were regular raids across the river. The most traumatic experience on this side of the border occurred through December, 1813, when British forces first captured Fort Niagara, and then proceeded to march along the river, burning every farm and village they encountered. Buffalo’s turn came on December 30.
While there were many atrocities that took place during the war, there are genuinely intriguing and engaging stories that took place during the 2.5 year period that the war was fought. Stories of courage, bravery and love.
See the places and hear stories of:
* Old Ft. Erie
* First Battle of Black Rock
* Daring naval battle of the Detroit and Caledonia
* Battle of Lake Erie
* Battle of Scajaquada Creek
* Black Rock Ferry
What better way to hear those stories than on a summer boat tour along the Niagara River, where so much of the conflict took place?
Tour participants will also receive a bi-national map of significant historic sites and information sheet about the War of 1812 as well as website information where people can stay informed of ongoing bicentennial commemorations of the outcome of the War of 1812: 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States.
July 3 at 10am (ship boards at 9:30)
Reservations are recommended. Meet at Miss Buffalo Cruise Boats on Marine Drive. The cost of the tour is $20 or $10 for students ($15/$5 for members of Preservation Buffalo Niagara). For more information, visit www.BuffaloTours.org or call 716-852-3300.
Buffalo Tours is an educational project of Preservation Buffalo Niagara.