Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,– On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, launched the historical re-enactment of the Battle of Fort George. The re-enactment commemorates an epic battle honouring those whose lives were lost in battle over 200 years ago.

“The Battle of Fort George was a significant event for the families living in Niagara Township during the War of 1812,” said Minister Nicholson. “On this day two hundred years ago, British Regulars and the men of the Lincoln Militia fought one of the grimmest and bloodiest battle of their lives in order to stall an overwhelming enemy force. Their sacrifice on that day was key in stemming the American invasion, and set up events that would allow British and Canadian forces to cross the Niagara River and capture Fort Niagara in December of 1813.”

Parks Canada hosted thousands of Canadians to witness hundreds of re-enactors taking part in the re-enactment performance of the Battle of Fort George. The re-enactment commemorates a pivotal battle in the Niagara region during the War of 1812. U.S. forces used the fort as a base to invade the rest of Upper Canada and after a seven month occupation, the fort was recaptured in December of 1813 and remained in British hands for the remainder of the war. The defending force included British regulars from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles which included Scots, English and French Canadians as well as some Canadians of African heritage; the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles, and First Nations allies from the Grand River.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people from around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

For more information on the Battle of Fort George, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca.