Queenston near Niagara-on-the-Lake 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.
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 d'une trentaine
this page online
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourisim and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1813.
Location. 43° 9.617′ N, 79° 3.161′ W. Marker is near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Queenston. It 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
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.
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 Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Black Militia Units In Upper Canada, 1812-1850 (a few steps from this marker); The Decisive Battle / La bataille dιcisive (a few steps from this marker); Sir Isaac Brock (a few steps from this marker); Brock's Monument - Queenston Heights Battlefield (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Brock's Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Queenston Heights
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 February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,227 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
