Fonthill in Fort Erie in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio"

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

1. Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio" Marker

Inscription. On the night of August 12, 1814, seventy seamen and marines, led by Captain Alexander T. Dobbs, R.N., embarked in this vicinity to attempt the capture of three armed U.S. schooners lying off American-held Fort Erie. One of the six boats used had been carried some 25 miles from Queenston, while the others were brought overland from Frenchman's Creek. Masquerading as supply craft, the force boarded and seized the "Somers" and "Ohio", the "Porcupine" alone escaping. Two of the attackers, including their second-in-command, Lieutenant Copleston Radcliffe, R.N., were killed. This daring exploit was the last naval action fought on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.

Erected by Ontario Archeological 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 Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 12, 1814.

Location. 42° 51.559′ N, 79° 3.468′ W. Marker is in Fort Erie, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Fonthill. It can be reached from Terrace Lane, on the right when traveling east. The

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

marker is in Crystal Beach Waterfront park (moved from Queen’s Circle), approx. 50 metres from the boat launch parking lot along the water’s edge path. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3855 Terrace Ln, Fort Erie ON L0S L0S, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe

and in Niagara Canada.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: SS Canadiana (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of Light Vessel 82 and its Crew (a few steps from this marker); 1800’s Ships Anchor (within shouting distance of this marker); Waves of Change (within shouting distance of this marker); Crystal Beach Waterfront Park Development Association (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Crystal Beach Amusement Park

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

2. Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio" Marker

View of the historical marker with the community park's landscaping in the background.

(approx. half a kilometer away); Bobby Burd Memorial (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Ridgeway - Crystal Beach Cenotaph (approx. 1.9 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Erie.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

3. Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio" Marker

View of the historical marker situated in the community park with the surrounding roadway, Queens Circle, in the background.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 28, 2011

4. Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio" Marker

Distant view of the historical marker situated in the community park, which is located on the traffic island formed by the roadway, Queens Circle. In the foreground is the street sign for the intersection of Queens Circle and Shannon Road South.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, April 23, 2025

5. Capture of the "Somers" and "Ohio" marker

In its current location in Crystal Beach Waterfront Park

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 808 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on August 16, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on March 14, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 23, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.