It is hard to imagine the area of downtown Toronto that many of us enjoy, Harbourfront and Liberty Village, under siege by American military 199 years ago. Yet, on April 27, 1813, the poorly-defended City of Toronto, then known as the City of York, was captured by the Americans during the gritty War of 1812. To mark the War of 1812 Bicentennial year, the City of Toronto Museums will be presenting a commemoration of the Battle of York at Fort York National Historic Site on Sunday, April 29, 2012.
Visitors at the Battle of York commemoration will be able to:
- watch the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps perform displays of naval shore gun drills, as well as demonstrations of 19th-century seamanship
- watch Replica 1812 Gig, drill and musket firing demonstrations
- listen to museum animators describe what life was like in the Soldiers’ Barracks, as well as tour the barracks
- visit the Officers’ Mess Kitchen for Georgian-era cooking demonstrations
- witness demonstrations of the foot and musket drill practiced by the Upper Canada Militia.
The history of the Battle of York is deeply entrenched in this section of Toronto near Fort York where street names serve as everyday reminders of the military defeat. Strachan Avenue was named for Bishop John Strachan, who prevented further burning and looting of the city by the U.S. military. Garrison Creek pays tribute to the former river located near Fort York that entered Lake Ontario and Western Battery Road commemorates the British fortification that was located near the Lake Ontario waterfront.
The Battle of York commemoration takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort York on Sunday, April 29, 2012. The cost is Adults $7.96, Seniors $3.81, Youth $4.87, Children $3.76, all plus tax and 5 and under Free.
Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto, 416-392-6907
