Battle of Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
What happened
About 700 British troops under John Vincent and John Harvey fought an American army of about 3,400 under Generals John Chandler and William Winder. During the War of 1812, an American army had advanced into Upper Canada after taking Fort George. The British made a surprise night attack on the American camp, guided by a local teenager. In under 45 minutes of confused fighting in the dark, both American generals were captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a turning point in the defence of Upper Canada. American forces never again advanced so far from the Niagara River.
What came next
The Americans pulled back to Fort George and later abandoned it in December. A monument was built on the battlefield in 1913.
Did you know?
Billy Green, a 19-year-old local, is said to have learned the American password, 'Wil-Hen-Har', and guided the British to the camp.
Timeline
- 4 February 1794Billy Green is born.
- 27 May 1813Americans capture Fort George.
- 6 June 1813The British win at Stoney Creek.
- 1913A battlefield monument is unveiled.