Battle of Lacolle Mills (1812) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Lacolle River
Part of the War of 1812
Lacolle Mills Blockhouse
Date November 20, 1812 Location Lacolle, Quebec Result British-Mohawk victory
Belligerents
Lower Canada Mohawk warriors	United States
Commanders and leaders
Charles de Salaberry	Henry Dearborn
Strength
c. 40 initially, increasing to c. 370 (including 200 Mohawk warriors)	c. 5,000+ (c. 650 in the advance party)
Casualties and losses
None	5 killed 5 wounded

The Battle of Lacolle River was a small but important fight during the War of 1812. It happened on November 20, 1812, near the village of Lacolle, Quebec. A small group of Canadian soldiers and Mohawk warriors bravely defended a blockhouse against a much larger American attack.

What Was the Battle of Lacolle River?

This battle was a quick fight near the Lacolle River. It showed how a small, well-placed force could stop a bigger army. The Canadians and Mohawks protected the Lacolle Mills Blockhouse. This building was important because it guarded a bridge on the road to Montreal.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Canadian forces were led by Charles de Salaberry. He had only about 40 soldiers and warriors at first. Later, more Mohawk warriors joined them. They faced an American army of about 5,000 soldiers. This American force was led by Major General Henry Dearborn.

Why Was Lacolle River Important?

The battle was part of a bigger plan by the Americans. They wanted to invade Lower Canada and capture Montreal. Stopping them at Lacolle River was a key victory for the Canadians and their allies.

The American Plan to Invade Canada

The American army was very large. They had about 2,000 regular soldiers and 3,000 militia. Militia are like citizen soldiers who are not full-time military. Their goal was to march into Canada and take Montreal.

Delays and Challenges for the Americans

The American invasion was delayed for several months. This meant they started their march as winter began. Also, about half of the American militia refused to cross the border into Canada. This made it harder for General Dearborn to use all his forces.

Colonel Pike's Advance Party

Despite the problems, American Colonel Zebulon Pike led an advance group. This group had about 650 regular soldiers and some Aboriginal warriors. They crossed into Lower Canada first. More American soldiers were supposed to follow them.

The Battle Begins: Confusion in the Dark

Pike's advance party first met a very small Canadian force. It was only 25 Canadian militiamen and 15 Aboriginal warriors. These defenders were greatly outnumbered and had to pull back. This allowed the Americans to move closer to the blockhouse.

A Friendly Fire Incident

As night fell, something confusing happened. Pike's soldiers accidentally started fighting another group of American militia from New York. Both sides thought the other was the enemy. There was a fierce gunfight between the two American groups.

Mohawk Warriors Join the Fight

During this confusion, more Mohawk warriors arrived to help the Canadians. Their war cries added to the chaos. The American soldiers, already shaken by fighting each other, decided to retreat. They pulled back to Champlain and then left Lower Canada completely.

Aftermath of the Battle

The American plan to capture Montreal in 1812 failed. It was due to poor planning and bad coordination. Moving a large army in winter was also very difficult.

De Salaberry's Actions After the Battle

After the battle, Charles de Salaberry made a strategic move. He evacuated the Lacolle area. He also destroyed farms and houses. The Americans had planned to use these buildings for shelter, as they didn't have enough tents for the winter.

American Plans Abandoned

Faced with these problems and the defeat at Lacolle River, General Dearborn gave up his plans. The American forces were discouraged. They would not try to attack Montreal from this area again until 1814. That was during the second Battle of Lacolle Mills (1814).

Images for kids

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  The Lacolle Mills Blockhouse, a key building defended during the battle.