Near Queenston in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

1. The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815 Marker

A close-up view of the side of the historical marker using English text.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

[Side of Marker Using English Text]:

When the War of 1812 began, people of African descent in the Niagara peninsular feared an American invasion. They were anxious to preserve their freedom and prove their loyalty to Britain. Many joined the militia; others offered to raise their own militia company. Authorities responded by forming a "Colored Corps" of about thirty men commanded by white officers. Based in the Niagara region throughout the war, it fought at Queenston Heights in October 1812 and at the siege of Fort George in May 1813. The corps was disbanded soon after the peace, but had nonetheless set a precedent. Black units were a feature of the Canadian military until the First World War.

[Side of Marker Using French Text]:

Lorsque commence la guerre de 1812, les habitants de la peninsule du Niagara de descendance africaine craignent une invasion americaine. Ils tiennent a preserver leur liberte et a prouver leur loyaute a l'Angleterre. Nombre d'entre eux entrent dans la milice: d'autres offrent de recruter leur propre compagnie de miliciens. Les autorites decident alors de former un corps

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d'une trentaine d'hommes de couleur sous la commande d'officiers blancs. Stationne dans la region du Niagara pendant la guerre de 1812, le "Colored Corps" prend part a la bataille de Queenston Heights en octobre 1812 et au siege du fort George en mai 1813. Le corps, disperse peu apres la paix, etablit un precedent. L'armee canadienne a des unites noires jusqu'a la Premiere Guerre mondiale.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourisim and Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1813.

Location. 43° 9.617′ N, 79° 3.161′ W. Marker is near Queenston, Ontario, in Niagara Region. Marker can be reached from Niagara Parkway north of Portage Road. This historical marker is located in the shadow of the Brock Monument, a short distance from the northeast corner of the monument along a park walking path. The Brock Monument is located in Queenston Heights Park, sitting atop the Canadian side of the Niagara Escarpment, overlooking the northern end of the Niagara River gorge, dominating the landscape. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14184 Niagara Parkway, Queenston ON L0S 1L0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sir Isaac Brock (a few steps from this marker); The Decisive Battle (a

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

2. The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815 Marker

A close-up view of the side of the historical marker using French text.

few steps from this marker); Brock's Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Brock's Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Queenston Heights (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Queenston Heights (within shouting distance of this marker); Attack (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queenston.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

3. The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815 Marker

View of the historical marker situated along a park walking pathway, on the crest of the Niagara Escarpment.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

4. The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815 Marker

A backside view of the historical marker situated along a park walking pathway, on the very edge of the crest of the Niagara Escarpment.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 27, 2011

5. The "Colored Corps" 1812 - 1815 Marker

View of the historical marker on the crest of the Niagara Escarpment, with a view of a trail leading down the front of the escarpment in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.