The War of 1812 is often an overlooked part of history in the United States. In Canada, however, the war holds great significance. This year, Canada celebrates is 150th birthday, and it is the 204th anniversary of a key battle in the War of 1812, the Battle of Fort George. That confrontation saw the US take control of the fort and burn a portion of nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake.
According to battle re-enactor Daryl Learn, it was one of the few successful cross border campaigns for either side. This lack of overall success, coincidentally, became the seed for friendly relations between the nations.
"The War of 1812 said the the Americans, with their unsuccessful invasions of Canada, 'We'd better get used to the Canadians being here.' And it said to the British and to the Canadians, with their unsuccessful invasions of the United States, 'We'd better get used to the Americans being there.' So after that, both the British and the Americans never really looked at war as a viable option."
Learn, a Fort Erie native, is acting as a member of the 11th US Division in the battle re-enactment. Festivities at Fort George will be ongoing through the day today, including musket firings, cannon firings and music.
