First Battle of the War
From this point on October 13, 1812, U.S. troops launched an invasion of Queenston Heights, Canada in an attempt to seize Fort George and control the river.
The Battle was a disaster for the Americans, as they suffered heavy losses and ultimately surrendered to the British.
Invading American Forces Cross the Niagara River1) Led by General Stephen Van Rensselaer 2 large boats and a dozen smaller vessels launch, carrying 200 troops.
2) Inexperienced navigators lose control of several boats, they drift down river and turn back.
3) 300 British forces on shore lay down a heavy curtain of musket fire.
4) British rain cannon fire on boats from redan (an arrow shaped emplacement) on Heights.
5) A small American force led by captain Wool finds a way up the escarpment and captures the British cannon.
Under command of John Lovett, an American battery at Fort Grey provides cover fire with several cannons and a motar.
6) British reinforcements divert around village and counterattack Heights from along the ridge.
7) Americans are driven back to precipice and forced to surrender.
American losses:
90 killed, approximately 1,000 captured.
British losses:
130 killed, wounded, or missing
Turning Tides
October 13, 18123 AM - First American troops land on Canadian shore.
4 AM - Americans charge the Heights but are repelled.
6 AM - Second wave of American Troops lands.
8 AM - Captain Wool attacks redan from the rear.
9 AM - Americans force British from Heights and raise flag.
10 AM - British General Brock orders reinforcements and counterattacks.
11 AM - Americans repel the attack and Brock is killed
12 Noon - Americans secure landing and control the battlefield.
1 PM - Americans appear to be victorious
2 PM - General Van Rensselaer returns to Lewiston to rally the militia
4 PM - British reinforcements arrive from Ft. George and attack the Heights.
4 PM - American Militia reinforcements refuse to cross river.
6 PM - American Colonel Scott surrenders.
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