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
The siege of Fort of Mackinac was one of the first engagements of the War of 1812. A British and Native American force captured the island soon after the outbreak of war between Britain and the United States. Encouraged by the easy British victory, more Native Americans rallied to their support. Their cooperation was an important factor in several British victories during the remainder of the war.
View of Fort Mackinac from Round Island
Upon learning of the outbreak of war, Major General Issac Brock sent a canoe party to inform Captain Charles Roberts of the news, and orders to capture Fort Mackinac.
Fort Mackinac, Michigan
View of British Landing, c. 1898. British forces landed near the settlement on the night of July 16.
