The War Of 1812
1812 Bicentennial Events At Fanshawe Pioneer Village
2012 - Muskets, Militia, and Mayhem: War of 1812 Education Day
(Grades 6, 7 and 8) Friday, May 11, 2012
Presented in partnership with the 1st Royal Scots Grenadiers
This exciting full-day, multi-school event gives students a chance to explore the War of 1812 through a series of real life scenarios and vignettes. Join a militia muster, watch a 19th century cannon crew fire the gun and debate views with Villagers loyal to King George and those who support Republicanism. Through active participation in more than a dozen stations, students will make a personal connection with the War of 1812 and leave with an understanding of how it affected local inhabitants' daily lives. Special cost for this full day program is $7/student. To book this popular program, call 519-457-1296
Fanshawe Frolic: Dance from the Regency Period
Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th
The whole Village is coming to the 1812 ball! Come learn the social dances of the Regency Period with Dance Mistress, Mme. Stephens on Saturday afternoon. Enjoy a country supper in the evening, followed by a period ball with live band. All dances will be easy to learn and to do. Period costumes are encouraged but not required. Bring your whole family back on Sunday afternoon for Family Frolic, more dancing and afternoon tea.
2013 - Muskets, Militia, and Mayhem: War of 1812 Education Day
(Grades 6, 7 and 8) Friday, May 10, 2013
Presented in partnership with the 1st Royal Scots Grenadiers
This exciting full-day, multi-school event gives students a chance to explore the War of 1812 through a series of real life scenarios and vignettes. Join a militia muster, watch a 19th century cannon crew fire the gun and debate views with Villagers loyal to King George and those who support Republicanism. Through active participation in more than a dozen stations, students will make a personal connection with the War of 1812 and leave with an understanding of how it affected local inhabitants' daily lives. Special cost for this full day program is $7/student. To book this popular program, call 519-457-1296
Summer Theater Event: 1813 Raids of Southwestern Ontario A Play by Jeff Culbert
July 9, 10,11, 16,17,18, 19, 2013
The entire peninsula is left defended by only small contingents of untrained militia. American raids into this region demoralize the populace and deny the British army their main sources of food and provisions. Jeff Culbert’s play tells the tragic tale of this dark year in the War of 1812.
Performances over 7 evenings in Miller Barn at Fanshawe Pioneer
Village.
2014 - Muskets, Militia, and Mayhem: War of 1812 Education Day
(Grades 6, 7 and 8) Friday, May 9, 2014
Presented in partnership with the 1st Royal Scots Grenadiers
This exciting full-day, multi-school event gives students a chance to explore the War of 1812 through a series of real life scenarios and vignettes. Join a militia muster, watch a 19th century cannon crew fire the gun and debate views with Villagers loyal to King George and those who support Republicanism. Through active participation in more than a dozen stations, students will make a personal connection with the War of 1812 and leave with an understanding of how it affected local inhabitants' daily lives. Special cost for this full day program is $7/student. To book this popular program, call 519-457-1296.
Fanshawe 1812: The Invasion of Upper Canada
Saturday, October 4 to Sunday October 5th, 2014
The Invasion of Upper Canada recreates McArthur’s raid of October – November 1814 through Napoleonic style battle demonstrations situated on the lakes, forests and meadows of Fanshawe Conservation Area in London, Ontario. The historic Village of Fanshawe comes alive with merchants, entertainment, displays and performers all steps away from the military encampments and battlefields.
Experience the life and battles of an 1812 soldier at this premier event.
Special Admission rate will apply
Presented with the support of the Upper Canada Military Re-Enactment Society, the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
History of the Battle of 1812
Between March and the middle of August 1814 American forces were sent into western Upper Canada to destroy property in an attempt to reduce the ability of the region to support the British army in the area. Communities such as Patterson's Creek, Charlotteville (Turkey Point), Port Talbot, Long Point and Port Dover in western Upper Canada saw the destruction of their public buildings, grain mills, private homes and barns at the hands of the raiding American parties. Even crops in the fields and cattle were destroyed.
The area between Fort Malden, at Amherstburg, and Burlington Heights, present day Hamilton, were virtually defenseless to attack. Following the Battle of Lake Erie, in September of 1813, and the battle of Longwoods in March of 1814 the area of western Upper Canada, southwestern Ontario, had been abandoned.
In 1812 the city of London did not exist but this does not stop the village , and re-enactors from all over Ontario and parts of the United States from depicting life during such a vibrant time in our area’s history. In June of 1812 the United States declared war against Great Britain, resulting in a three year struggle for control of the high seas and the North American continent.
The War of 1812 in North America was a small event in the global struggles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but one that was important to the shaping of our country as it is today and the relations we have with our neighbours to the south. It was also a conflict which occurred right on the doorstep of the area of southwestern Ontario. This is our history. War was waged on our soil against us and our citizens.
