The Battle of Queenston

Heights

Who was in the battle?

Queenston Heights was a battle with United States regulars and New York militia forces against British regulars, Canadian militia, and Mohawks.

The American commander was Stephen Van Rensselaer. The leaders of the British were Sir Isaac Brock and Roger Hale Sheaffe.

Stephen Van Renseelaer Sir Isaac Brock

The United States had 900 regulars and 2650 militia. The British had 1300 regulars, militia and natives.

During the battle 100 Americans were killed, 170 wounded, and 835 were taken prisoner. The British casualties were much smaller. 21 of the British were killed, 85 wounded and 22 were captured.

Who? (Continued)

Sir Isaac BrockThe Battle

Where was the battle?The battle took place in Queenston,

Ontario, near the Niagara River.

Some of the American troops were stationed in Lewiston, New York.

Map showing where the Battle of Queenston Heights took place

The battle was fought over 200 years ago, on October 13th, 1812.

The battle was estimated to be 12 hours long.

When did the battle occur?

Queenston Heights

Why was the battle fought?

The battle occurred as a result of the Americans attempting to claim a foothold on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

How did the battle go down?

1. On October 11th, two days before the battle, the Americans began to embark troops at Lewiston.

2. When the invasion was launched, on October 13th, the British defenders were successfully pushed back. This resulted in the Americans gaining foothold of Canadian territory.

3. Brock, who was at Fort George, initially thought the attack at Queenston was a feint, but the heavy fire convinced him otherwise. He quickly rode off to take command at Queenston, along with his troops.

The battle of Queenston Heights was both a tragedy and a victory for the British. The British won but their commander was killed.

How the battle went down (continued)

4. Not long after Brock arrived in Queenston, the opposing forces captured a strategic position. Brock was killed early on the battle as he attempted to recapture this key position. This left Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe to lead the British.

5. After Brock's fall, Roger Hale arrived with British reinforcements from Fort George. This included 300 soldiers, and 250 militia. He marched his men out of range from the American artillery, and climbed to the top of Queenston Heights.

6. The battle for control raged on for hours. The American reinforcements awaiting a call did not end up arriving because many of the militiamen assembled refused to cross into Upper Canada.

7. Joined by the Brit Forces from Chippewa, Sheaffe fired off a volley of musketry and launched a bayonet charge on the Yanks. The American army collapsed in panic, and the British claimed victory.

What impact did the battle have?

This battle is well-known for the death of British Commander, Sir Isaac Brock. The American offense was poorly established. The battle may have not been historically significant otherwise.

Sir Isaac Brock monument

Interesting Facts1. It was the third battle fought at the Niagara

Frontier during the War of 1812. 2. The battle of Queenston Heights is mentioned in

Canada's unofficial National Anthem, 'The Maple Leaf Forever.'

3. In dedication to Isaac Brock, who fell in battle, they constructed a monument for him in Queenston Heights.

Isaac Brock's monument

Queenston Heights 200th anniversary Re-enactment

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We hope you learned more about the Battle of Queenston Heights!