Fort YorkTORONTO, CANADA
Urban Toronto Canada was birthed out of a military event between the United States and Britain’s alliance to the natives of the Ohio country who were encapsulated in a terrible conflict with the capital to Toronto from the vulnerable border town Niagara. Toronto, a civilian settlement having been given the name Toronto, was renamed York. It began to grown and flourish and during the early years Fort York had a big role in the economic and social development. |
John Graves Simcoe who had moved the capital to Toronto from Niagara, had never really built the strong defenses he had intended to for York. Simcoe’s log structures deteriorated fast so his successors built new barracks in the late 1790’s. Then in 1800, the lieutenant governors house was built on the present fort site. By 1807, Anglo-American relations deteriorated again. Major General Isaac Brock strengthened Fort York in 1811 as he anticipated there would be hostiles.
In 1812, war was declared by the United States and so Canada was invaded. In 1813, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy attacked York with a force of 2700 men on fourteen ships and schooners and they were armed with eighty five cannons. In opposing forces, the British, Canadians, Mississaugas, and Ojibways had twelve cannons. The Americans stormed ashore under the cover of naval guns. The defenders put up a good fight but succumbed to Fort York due to overwhelming odds.
A British commander, Major-General Sir Roger Sheaffe, retreated to the East and blew up the fort’s gunpowder magazine in such a huge deadly explosion. In all, 250 Americans died and/or were wounded from the blast. The total loss during the six hour battle was 320 Americans, and 157 British. The Mississaugas and Ojibways retreated into the forest and the local militia surrendered the town.
For six days, the Americans managed to occupy York by destroying supplies, looting homes, and burning the Government and Parliament Buildings. In 1814, Fort York managed to repel the American squadron when it tried to enter the Toronto Bay.
By 1815, York had received word the War of 1812 had ended the past December. By 1814, the British to vengeance by capturing Washington and burnt the White House, Capitol, and some other public buildings.
In 1813, the Americans headed back to York to finish what they started and burn the remaining structures. By 1814, Fort York managed to hold off the U.S. squadron when it tried to enter Toronto Bay. Peace had finally returned to the region due to a successful invasion.
In 1812, war was declared by the United States and so Canada was invaded. In 1813, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy attacked York with a force of 2700 men on fourteen ships and schooners and they were armed with eighty five cannons. In opposing forces, the British, Canadians, Mississaugas, and Ojibways had twelve cannons. The Americans stormed ashore under the cover of naval guns. The defenders put up a good fight but succumbed to Fort York due to overwhelming odds.
A British commander, Major-General Sir Roger Sheaffe, retreated to the East and blew up the fort’s gunpowder magazine in such a huge deadly explosion. In all, 250 Americans died and/or were wounded from the blast. The total loss during the six hour battle was 320 Americans, and 157 British. The Mississaugas and Ojibways retreated into the forest and the local militia surrendered the town.
For six days, the Americans managed to occupy York by destroying supplies, looting homes, and burning the Government and Parliament Buildings. In 1814, Fort York managed to repel the American squadron when it tried to enter the Toronto Bay.
By 1815, York had received word the War of 1812 had ended the past December. By 1814, the British to vengeance by capturing Washington and burnt the White House, Capitol, and some other public buildings.
In 1813, the Americans headed back to York to finish what they started and burn the remaining structures. By 1814, Fort York managed to hold off the U.S. squadron when it tried to enter Toronto Bay. Peace had finally returned to the region due to a successful invasion.
- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC -
- Wednesday - Sunday | 11:00AM - 5:00PM | Last tour starting at 3:30 -
- A variety of different activities are offered daily -
- Please check website for specifics & advance ticket purchases -
- Wednesday - Sunday | 11:00AM - 5:00PM | Last tour starting at 3:30 -
- A variety of different activities are offered daily -
- Please check website for specifics & advance ticket purchases -
|
|
Learn more about Fort York National Historic Site by visiting their website.
Address: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Phone: 416-392-6907
Address: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Phone: 416-392-6907
Updated 10/02/20- LLS
