The siege of Detroit, also known as the surrender of Detroit or the Battle of Fort Detroit, was an early engagement in the War of 1812. A British force under Major General Isaac Brock with indigenous allies under Shawnee leader Tecumseh used bluff and deception to intimidate U.S. Brigadier General William Hull into surrendering the fort and town of Detroit, Michigan, along with his dispirited army which actually outnumbered the victorious British and Indians.
The Surrender of Detroit, by J.C.H. Forster
U.S. forces during the siege of Detroit were commanded by Brig. Gen. William Hull, an aging veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
Plan of Detroit and its fort, 1792
Major General Isaac Brock met with Shawnee chief Tecumseh in Amherstburg, Ontario and quickly established a rapport, ensuring that he would cooperate with his movements.
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock KB was a British Army officer and colonial administrator from Guernsey. Brock was assigned to Lower Canada in 1802. Despite facing desertions and near-mutinies, he commanded his regiment in Upper Canada successfully for many years. He was promoted to major general, and became responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States. While many in Canada and Britain believed war could be averted, Brock began to ready the army and militia for what was to come. When the War of 1812 broke out, the populace was prepared, and quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit defeated American invasion efforts.
Depiction of the Battle of Copenhagen. Aboard HMS Ganges, Brock was to lead the 49th on an assault against the city's fortress, although the outcome of the battle made such actions unnecessary.
Governor General Sir George Prevost, whose approach to the war conflicted with Brock's
Brock met with Shawnee chief Tecumseh in Amherstburg. He quickly established a rapport with Tecumseh, ensuring his cooperation against Fort Detroit.
Depiction of American forces surrendering Fort Detroit