Port Dover in Norfolk County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Campbell's Raid 1814

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022

1. Campbell's Raid 1814 Marker

Inscription.
On May 14, 1814, about 800 American regulars and militia under Lieutenant Colonel John Campbell disembarked nearby at the mouth of the Lynn River. The following day, meeting no opposition, they burnt the settlements of Dover and Ryerse’s Mills and ravaged the surrounding countryside. Private dwellings were destroyed and livestock slaughtered. Campbell claimed that he acted in retaliation for similar raids against Buffalo and other points on the Niagara frontier by troops under British command. A Court of Inquiry instituted by the United States army subsequently condemned his destruction of private homes.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1814.

Location. 42° 47.777′ N, 80° 13.039′ W. Marker is in Port Dover, Ontario, in Norfolk County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (County Highway 6) and Prospect Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Marker is located near the intersection of Prospect Street and Heritage Park Court. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Dover ON N0A N0A, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this

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marker, measured as the crow flies. War Memorial (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); The War of 1812 - Lake Erie & Long Point Bay (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); Powell Park (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); Port Dover (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); War of 1812 (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); The Norfolk Tavern (approx. 1.8 kilometers away); The Summer Garden (approx. 1.9 kilometers away); The Railways (approx. 2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Dover.

More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.

Also see . . . Raid on Port Dover.

American troops crossed Lake Erie to capture or destroy stocks of grain and destroy mills at Port Dover, Ontario, which were used to provide flour for British troops stationed on the Niagara Peninsula. At the instigation of Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell and without sanction from his superiors or the government of the United States, the Americans also destroyed private houses and other property, prompting British commanders to demand reprisals in other theatres of the war. To some degree, the burning of Washington by the British later in the year was influenced by the American actions at Port Dover.

(Submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022

2. Campbell's Raid 1814 Marker

(looking south • Main Street/Norfolk County Highway 6 in background)

Welcome to Port Dover Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 25, 2022

3. Welcome to Port Dover Sign

(marker is located about 20 yards north of this sign)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 30, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.