Laura Secord was a Canadian heroine of the War of 1812. She is known for having walked 20 miles (32 km) out of American-occupied territory in 1813 to warn British forces of an impending American attack. Her contribution to the war was little known during her lifetime, but since her death she has been frequently honoured in Canada. Though Laura Secord had no relation to it, most Canadians associate her with the Laura Secord Chocolates company, named after her on the centennial of her walk.
Secord in 1865
Secord warns British commander James FitzGibbon of an impending American attack at Beaver Dams. (Lorne Kidd Smith, c. 1920)
Secord was promised a position at Brock's Monument, but the position was given to another woman. (1840 painting by Philip John Bainbrigge)
Statue of Laura Secord at the Valiants Memorial in Ottawa
Battle of Queenston Heights
The Battle of Queenston Heights was the first major battle in the War of 1812. Resulting in a British victory, it took place on 13 October 1812 near Queenston, Upper Canada.
Death of General Brock at the Battle of Queenston Heights, John David Kelly
Major General Isaac Brock led a force made up of British regulars, Canadian militiamen, and Mohawk warriors during the Battle of Queenston Heights.
Attempts to perform a prisoner exchange were made on 12 October by Major Thomas Evans. Intelligence gathered from the attempted exchange led Evans to deduce an American attack was imminent.
Depiction of Vrooman's Point. A mile north of Queenston, the British positioned a twenty-four-pounder artillery piece used to harass American troops attempting to embark across the Niagara River during the battle.
