The battle of the Chateauguay was a military head-to-head that happened in October 1813. It was a conflict between England and their allies, notably the colony of Lower-Canada and some Huron and Mohawk helpers, to the Americans.
To understand the battle, it’s important to know that the USA, recently became independent of England and that they were still in opposition. Lower-Canada (Now known as the Province of Quebec), was a British colony that was neighbouring to the Americans. The US army decided to process to an aggressive military strategy by planning an attack in Montreal to cut the shipments to the Upper-Canada (actual Ontario).
An American army of 3000 men, commanded by the Major-General wade Hampton, took the Chateauguay river towards Île-Perrot, where they had a second float waiting for them. More than halfway there, they were intercepted by the military troops of Charles de Salaberry. That British defence was composed of 1800 men, mainly soldiers, French Canadians and Natives. Their strategy was to set up traps in the way of the Americans to slow them down and potentially stop them. It’s at Allan’s Corner, actually located between the towns of Howick and Ormstown, that the British won the battle. It was decisive and there were more than 100 injured and around 50 deaths.
The battle of the Chateauguay is considered a turning point in Canadian history. Without that victory against the Americans, Canada would’ve been different and potentially part of the United States of America.
Come spend a day at Kayak Safari and make the most of those historical waters, fundamental to our Canadian history.
