About Battle of York
On April 27 1813, the Americans targeted the fort, which they knew was less defended than the fortifications at Kingston and Burlington Heights, for their first combined army and naval attack. Sailing out from Sackets Harbor in New York, Commodore Isaac Chauncey led the American fleet. On the ground Brig. General Zebulon Pike delivered troops for a combined force of some 2,700 men with eighty-five cannons against the defending British force of 750 British, Canadians, Mississauga, Ojibway and twelve cannon. The American force landed on the lakeshore to the west and advanced against the town. Under overwhelming disadvantage British Commander Major General Sir Roger Sheaffe was forced to retreat to the east, but not before igniting the fort’s gunpowder magazine in a devastating explosion that would kill or wound 250 Americans, including General Pike.
American forces spent six days occupying York, looting and burning public buildings. In retaliation the British would burn the White House, Capitol and other Washington public buildings in 1814.
The fort was rebuilt on the original site, and would repel a second American attack in August of 1814.
Excerpt from: National Parks Service
American forces spent six days occupying York, looting and burning public buildings. In retaliation the British would burn the White House, Capitol and other Washington public buildings in 1814.
The fort was rebuilt on the original site, and would repel a second American attack in August of 1814.
Excerpt from: National Parks Service
Photos from past events:
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