Battle of Fort George
Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
What happened
American forces under General Henry Dearborn, with Winfield Scott and Oliver Hazard Perry, fought British troops in Upper Canada under John Vincent. During the War of 1812, American guns bombarded Fort George from across the Niagara River and from the lake. On 27 May, Perry's schooners silenced the shore batteries while Scott led troops ashore through the water. Outnumbered and at risk of being surrounded, Vincent ordered a retreat, and the Americans took the fort almost intact.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a well-planned landing by two fairly junior officers, Scott and Perry. With the British pulling back, Perry could move armed schooners onto Lake Erie.
What came next
Vincent struck back with a night attack at Stoney Creek ten days later, and the Americans withdrew to the fort. Perry went on to win the Battle of Lake Erie in September 1813.
Did you know?
After the Battle of Lake Erie, Perry sent the famous message: 'We have met the enemy and they are ours.'
Timeline
- 25 May 1813Americans bombard Fort George.
- 27 May 1813Americans land and capture the fort.
- 6 June 1813The British win at Stoney Creek.
- 10 September 1813Perry wins the Battle of Lake Erie.