Battle of Queenston Heights facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Queenston Heights
Part of the War of 1812
Death of General Brock at the Battle of Queenston Heights John David Kelly, 1896
Date 13 October 1812 Location Queenston, Upper Canada (now Ontario) 43°9′43″N 79°3′2″W / 43.16194°N 79.05056°W / 43.16194; -79.05056 Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom  Upper Canada	United States
Commanders and leaders
Isaac Brock  † Roger Hale Sheaffe John Macdonell  †	Stephen Van Rensselaer Winfield Scott  William Wadsworth
Strength
1,366	3,550
Casualties and losses
21 killed 85 wounded 22 captured	60–100 killed 80 wounded 955 captured, of whom 90 were wounded

The Battle of Queenston Heights was a very important battle during the War of 1812. It happened on October 13, 1812, in a place called Queenston in Upper Canada. Today, this area is part of Ontario. The battle ended with a big victory for the British forces.

American soldiers and local militia, led by Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer, tried to cross the Niagara River. They came from Lewiston to fight against British soldiers and Canadian militia. Major General Isaac Brock led the British and Canadian forces at first. After General Brock was killed, Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe took over command. Mohawk warriors, led by John Norton, also helped the British during the fight.

The Americans hoped to gain control of the Canadian side of the Niagara River. They wanted to do this before winter made fighting impossible. However, the Americans struggled to get enough of their soldiers across the river. British cannons and the hesitation of some American militia stopped them. This allowed British reinforcements to arrive. These fresh troops then defeated the American forces, forcing them to surrender. This battle is remembered as a key event, especially because of the loss of the brave British commander, General Brock.

Why the Battle Happened: American Plans to Invade Canada

The United States had a plan to invade Canada in several places. One part of this plan was to cross the Niagara River. Another American general, William Hull, tried to attack Amherstburg from Detroit. Other attacks were planned for Kingston and Montreal. The Americans believed these attacks would quickly defeat the British colonies.

However, these early American attacks did not go as planned. General Hull was surrounded at Detroit and surrendered his entire force. Meanwhile, the main American army, led by Major General Henry Dearborn, stayed put. They did not attack Kingston or Montreal as expected.

Major General Van Rensselaer faced his own challenges. He couldn't launch his attack across the Niagara River in the summer of 1812. He lacked enough soldiers and supplies. Van Rensselaer was a politician, not an experienced military leader. He had never led soldiers in a real battle before. To help him, his cousin, Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, joined him. Solomon was an experienced soldier and gave valuable advice.

Getting Ready for Battle: British and American Preparations

British Defenses and Leaders

Major General Isaac Brock was a very important figure in Upper Canada. He was both the leader of the government and the army. Brock was known for being a bold commander. He had successfully captured Detroit earlier in 1812. This victory earned him the nickname "Saviour of Upper Canada." He was even going to be made a knight, but the news arrived after his death.

Major General Isaac Brock led British and Canadian forces at Queenston Heights.

Brock wanted to attack the Americans first. However, his boss, Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, was more cautious. Prevost believed that peace talks might happen soon. He did not want to start new fights that could stop these talks. So, he ordered Brock to defend their positions instead of attacking. An informal ceasefire was even agreed upon for a short time. But the American President ordered his army to continue fighting.

While Brock was away, Major General Sheaffe was in charge of the Niagara area. He had agreed to a ceasefire that allowed both sides to use the river. This meant the British watched as American soldiers and supplies grew stronger. When the truce ended, the American army was much better prepared.

American Forces Gather

Before the war, only a small group of American soldiers guarded Fort Niagara. But in the summer of 1812, many more soldiers arrived. These included militia volunteers and regular army troops. By the time Van Rensselaer arrived, his army had grown. By late September, he had around 2,484 regular soldiers and over 4,000 militia.

Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer commanded the American forces at the Battle of Queenston Heights.

Even though other American attacks had failed, Van Rensselaer felt ready to invade Canada. He planned to cross the Niagara River at Lewiston. His goal was to capture the high ground above Queenston. He wanted to create a safe base for his army during the winter. Another general, Alexander Smyth, was supposed to attack elsewhere. But Smyth did not show up for planning meetings. So, Van Rensselaer decided to attack only from Lewiston.

A few days before the battle, American sailors captured two British ships near Fort Erie. Brock thought this might be a sign of a bigger attack. He rushed to Fort Erie but soon realized there was no immediate danger. He returned to his headquarters. The Americans mistakenly thought Brock had left for Detroit.

Van Rensselaer planned his attack for October 11. But bad weather and problems with boats caused delays. Many oars went missing, and the route was muddy. The attack had to be postponed. General Smyth, who was supposed to join, took his men back to their camp. He said they wouldn't be ready until October 14. But Van Rensselaer decided to try again on October 13.

Advanced Warning: British Discover the Plan

Major Thomas Evans of the British Army suspected an American attack was coming on October 12.

The British knew about the failed American attempt on October 11. But they thought it might be a trick. On October 12, a British officer, Major Thomas Evans, crossed the river. He went under a flag of truce to arrange a prisoner exchange. He noticed several boats hidden along the shore. He also heard strange comments about delays. Major Evans realized that an American attack was planned for October 13. When he reported this, some officers were doubtful. But General Brock listened carefully. He became convinced and ordered his officers to be ready. He also sent messages to warn nearby militia leaders.

The Battle Begins: Crossing the Niagara River

British Defenses at Queenston

The British placed cannons at Vrooman's Point, north of Queenston, to fire at boats crossing the river.

The village of Queenston was located on the Niagara River. It sat at the northern end of a deep gorge. In 1812, it was a small village with about 300 people. South of the village, the land rose sharply about 300 feet (91 meters). This high ground was known as Queenston Heights. The slope was steep but covered with trees and bushes. The river itself was fast-flowing and about 200 yards (183 meters) wide.

Queenston was defended by about 450 British soldiers and militia. They had cannons placed in the village and on the heights. An 18-pounder gun and a mortar were on the escarpment above Queenston. These guns were protected by soldiers from the 49th Regiment. More cannons were placed at Vrooman's Point, a mile north of the village. Additional British soldiers and militia were stationed at Fort George, ten miles north. About 160 Mohawk warriors were also nearby.

Early Morning Attack and Fierce Fighting

The American attack began a few hours before sunrise on October 13. They used twelve small boats, each carrying about thirty men. The first group of boats carried 40 artillerymen, 150 militia, and 150 regular soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer led the militia.

The Battle of Queenston Heights shows the American landing on October 13, 1812. Queenston village is on the right, with Queenston Heights behind it.

As the American boats approached the shore, British guards spotted them. They opened fire and then rushed to warn the village. The Americans landed and started moving towards the village. But they were met by British soldiers and militia. A fierce gunfight broke out. Lieutenant Colonel Van Rensselaer was badly wounded. Captain John E. Wool took command of the Americans. He pulled his men back to the landing point.

Meanwhile, British cannons fired at the American boats. American cannons tried to silence the British guns. As more American boats crossed, some turned back under fire. One boat was sunk. But as dawn arrived, American artillery managed to disable the British gun in the village.

Another group of Americans landed further north. They came under heavy fire. Many were killed or wounded. Their boats were damaged. This group quickly surrendered. Captain Peter Oglivie and more American soldiers crossed the river. They reinforced Captain Wool. Wool was ordered to climb the heights and capture the British cannon battery there.

The Tragic Loss of General Brock

General Brock was woken by the sound of cannons at Queenston. He quickly rode to the battle, followed by his aides. He urged his soldiers to hurry to Queenston. He arrived shortly after dawn.

Major General Brock leading his soldiers in a charge against the British cannon battery. He was killed during this attack.

By this time, Captain Wool's American soldiers had climbed the heights. They surprised the British artillerymen from behind. The artillerymen fled. Brock immediately sent a message to Major General Sheaffe for reinforcements.

Brock decided to try and retake the cannon battery without waiting. He gathered soldiers from the 49th Regiment and local militia. He then led them up the steep slope in a direct attack. Brock was hit in the wrist by a musket ball. But he kept going. His tall figure and officer's uniform made him an easy target. An American soldier fired at him from close range. The shot hit Brock in the chest, killing him almost instantly. His men carried his body away from the fight.

Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell, Brock's aide, then led a second attack. He was also badly wounded and later died. Captain Williams was also knocked unconscious. The British attack failed, and the Americans captured 21 prisoners. The remaining British forces retreated from Queenston.

Many people say Brock's last words were "Push on, brave York Volunteers." However, most historians believe he died too quickly to say anything. The bullet likely hit his chest and caused instant death. He might have said those words earlier when encouraging his troops.

A New Leader for the Americans: Colonel Winfield Scott

By mid-morning, the Americans had brought more soldiers and a cannon across the river. They moved them up to the heights. They even managed to fix the 18-pounder cannon they had captured. Meanwhile, some American soldiers entered the village and began looting.

Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott took command of the American forces on Queenston Heights. He was later captured.

Lieutenant Colonel John Chrystie finally crossed to Queenston and briefly took command. Then, Brigadier General William Wadsworth arrived. General Van Rensselaer, unaware Wadsworth had crossed, asked Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott to take command. Scott found his forces disorganized. Many officers were missing, and some soldiers refused to follow orders. About 1,350 American soldiers had crossed the river that day.

British Reinforcements Arrive and Mohawk Warriors Join In

Major General Sheaffe arrived with the first British reinforcements from Fort George. British cannons began firing again, making it dangerous for American boats to cross. Two American boats were sunk. British soldiers slowly pushed the Americans out of the village.

At the same time, Mohawk warriors, led by John Norton, climbed the escarpment. They approached the American position from the west. The Mohawk warriors attacked, causing panic among some American militia. They fought bravely, moving through the woods and harassing the Americans. Faced with casualties, the American soldiers began to retreat.

General Van Rensselaer crossed to Queenston but did not go up to the heights. He decided to return to Lewiston to get more ammunition and men. But he saw soldiers rushing to escape back across the river. Many American soldiers were abandoning their posts. They were scared by the sight of the dead and wounded, and the war cries of the Mohawk.

Back on the eastern shore, Van Rensselaer found that no more militia were willing to cross the river. He later wrote that he was "astonished" that his troops had lost their fighting spirit. He tried to convince them, but it was no use. He sent a message to Wadsworth and Scott, telling them they had to decide whether to fight or retreat. He promised to send boats if they chose to withdraw.

The Final Push: British Victory at Queenston Heights

After General Brock's death, Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe led the British, Canadian, and Mohawk forces to victory.

At Durham's Farm, more British reinforcements arrived. Sheaffe now had about 650 men. This included more soldiers from the 41st Regiment, local militia, and Runchey's Coloured Company. He also had cannons. Sheaffe sent a message to Chippewa for even more soldiers to join him.

Sheaffe led his forces across fields to climb the escarpment west of Queenston. They circled around to approach the American lines from the south. Sheaffe positioned his main forces in front of the Americans. The light companies, Runchey's Coloured Company, and Norton's Mohawks moved to the west. When the reinforcements from Chippewa arrived, they took positions on the eastern side.

Just after 3:00 p.m., Sheaffe ordered his troops to advance. His soldiers marched forward and fired their muskets. The Americans fired back but began to pull away. The British kept advancing, firing as they went. Meanwhile, the light companies and Mohawks attacked from the west. Some Americans tried to retreat in an orderly way. Others panicked, threw down their weapons, or fell trying to climb down the cliff. They found no boats waiting to take them across the river. Some tried to swim but were killed. Lieutenant Colonel Scott tried three times to surrender before the British finally stopped firing.

Casualties: Who Was Lost in the Battle

The British reported 14 killed, 77 wounded, and 21 missing. This does not include the Mohawk warriors. Historians believe the actual numbers were slightly higher. Among the wounded was James Secord, husband of Laura Secord.

Between 60 and 100 Americans were killed in the battle. Eighty-two seriously wounded Americans were taken across the Niagara River before the surrender. The British captured 955 Americans. This included 120 severely wounded officers and men. Many wounded prisoners were cared for in local buildings. Of the seriously wounded prisoners, 30 died within a few days. In total, American casualties were around 60 to 100 killed, 80 wounded, 90 wounded prisoners, and 835 other prisoners. Six American officers were killed, and many more were wounded or captured. Brigadier General Wadsworth and Lieutenant Colonel Scott were among those captured. The British also captured a cannon and a flag.

What Happened Next: The Aftermath of the Battle

After the battle, Sheaffe suggested a temporary truce. He invited the Americans to send doctors to help the wounded. Within days, all the walking wounded and militia prisoners were released. They were sent back across the river, including General Wadsworth. The regular American soldiers, including Scott, were sent to Quebec. They were later exchanged for British prisoners.

Brigadier General Alexander Smyth took over command of American forces after Van Rensselaer.

On October 16, Van Rensselaer gave command of his remaining forces to Alexander Smyth. Smyth was the officer who had caused problems for the invasion attempt. Smyth still had his regular soldiers but refused to attack until he had 3,000 men. In late November, he launched a small raid. This was known as the Battle of Frenchman's Creek. It was successful. But two later attempts to cross the river were called off. This was due to British reinforcements, lack of boats, and bad weather. Smyth's men were sick and had low morale. Many soldiers left or stopped following orders. Smyth asked for leave and never returned. He was removed from the army a few months later.

After the war, people argued about who was to blame for the American defeat. Stephen Van Rensselaer remained popular. He continued his political career. General John Armstrong, Jr., who became the Secretary of War, blamed Van Rensselaer in his writings. This made Solomon Van Rensselaer angry. He blamed Lieutenant Colonel Chrystie for the failure.

Despite the victory, losing Major General Brock was a big blow to the British. Brock had inspired his soldiers and the people of Upper Canada. Sheaffe, his replacement, was honored for the victory. But he was not as respected as Brock. He was known for being a strict leader. Sheaffe was later criticized for not attacking Fort Niagara after the battle. The next April, Sheaffe was defeated at the Battle of York. He was removed from his commands and sent back to Britain.

Remembering the Heroes: The Legacy of Queenston Heights

A tall column called Brock's Monument stands on Queenston Heights. It honors General Isaac Brock and the battle.

A tall column, 56 meters (185 feet) high, stands on Queenston Heights. It is called Brock's Monument. It remembers the battle and General Isaac Brock who died there. Brock and Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonell are buried at the base of the monument. This monument was built between 1853 and 1856. It replaced an older monument that was destroyed. Brock is also honored with a statue at the Valiants Memorial in Ottawa.

The battle honor "Queenstown" was given to the 41st and 49th Regiments. Their modern army units are the Royal Welsh Regiment and The Rifles Regiments. In the Canadian Army, several regiments keep the history of the militia units from the battle. These include the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and the Queen's York Rangers. These regiments also carry the Queenston battle honor.

Many poems and songs have been written about the battle. The song "MacDonnell on the Heights" by Stan Rogers remembers John Macdonell. In 1959, a Toronto radio station recorded "The Battle of Queenston Heights." It became a popular song in the area.

Brock University in St. Catharines, the city of Brockville, and several schools are named after Major General Brock. Many roads in Ontario also bear his name. Ontario's Highway 405, which connects to the Queenston-Lewiston International Bridge, was named the General Brock Parkway in 2006.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Queenston Heights para niños