Fort Amherstburg facts for kids

Location of Fort Malden just above Amherstburg

Fort Amherstburg was a very important fort built by the British in 1796. It was located at the mouth of the Detroit River. The fort was built to replace Fort Detroit, which Britain had to give to the United States. This happened because of a peace agreement called the Jay Treaty.

The fort was built before the War of 1812. It had a special area called "King's Navy Yard." This was where ships were built for use on the upper Great Lakes. These lakes include Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior.

Fort Amherstburg and the War of 1812

The War of 1812 started in July 1812. An American general named William Hull invaded Canada. Soldiers from Fort Amherstburg helped stop the Americans at River Canard. General Hull then went back to Fort Detroit.

After this, British General Isaac Brock and the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh met at Fort Amherstburg. They planned an attack on Fort Detroit. Their meeting happened in a building just outside the fort.

Loss and Retreat

Later, the British and Canadians lost the Battle of Lake Erie. Their main warship, HMS Detroit, was built at the nearby Navy Yard Park. This ship was lost in the battle. Many cannons from the fort had been moved to the ships for this fight. Because these cannons were lost, the British and Canadians destroyed Fort Amherstburg. They then retreated from the area.

After the War of 1812

The Americans built a new, smaller fort on the same spot. Part of the old fort's wall and a corner tower still stand today. After the war ended, the British and Canadians took back control of what is now Southern Ontario and Fort Malden.

Fort Repairs and New Uses

After the War of 1812, the fort was not kept in good condition. But when there were threats of rebellion in Upper Canada, the fort was repaired. It was used again by the military. Soldiers from the 34th Regiment of Foot were stationed there. This regiment was famous for its bravery in other wars.

After the 1837 rebellion, the fort was no longer needed for military use. It was changed into a hospital for people with mental health issues. The smallest building was for employees. The two larger buildings housed patients, separated by gender. Trees were planted around the fort for shade. This was something the military had not wanted, as trees could block their view of enemies. Eventually, this hospital moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, where it still operates today.

Later Uses and Changes

After the hospital moved, the fort property became a woodmill. Later, the land was sold off for private homes. The two large buildings that were once barracks are no longer on the original grounds. One was moved into the town of Amherstburg. It burned down in the 1920s while being used as a stable.

The other barracks building still exists today. It was moved from the fort grounds and divided into three separate houses. These houses still have the same shape as the old barracks. At least one of them was found to have its original walls inside.

Fort Malden Today

Fort Amherstburg is now a historic site called Fort Malden. It continues to honor its military past. Many tourists from all over the world visit it.

Every Canada Day, a special 1812-era cannon is fired. This happens before a big fireworks show. During the summer, staff at the fort wear old military uniforms. Ladies wear clothing styles from the early 1800s. Visitors can learn what life was like at the fort long ago. They can see cooking demonstrations and watch muskets being fired.

The biggest event at Fort Malden happens on the Canadian Civic Holiday weekend. People who re-enact history gather there. They show what life was like in different time periods, from Ancient Rome to World War II. They perform battle demonstrations and set up full camps.

Original Fort Buildings

The first fort had several important buildings:

• a building for weapons and soldiers
• a guard house
• a place to store gunpowder
• a storehouse for the Indian Department
• a meeting house for the Indian Department
• a home for the Indian Department's storekeeper
• a restroom
• a shed for a fire engine
• a shed for weapons
• a kitchen

Second Fort Buildings

The second fort, built by the Americans, included:

• large barracks for soldiers
• barracks for officers
• a guardhouse
• a jail

Many other smaller buildings were also on the fort grounds.

Museum Connections

Fort Malden is connected with several important museum groups:

• CMA
• CHIN
• Virtual Museum of Canada

More to Explore

• Chronology of the War of 1812
• War of 1812 Campaigns
• List of forts
• Upper Canada