Near Chatham in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Skirmish at McCrae's House

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

1. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

Inscription. Following the defeat of the British at the Battle of the Thames on October 5, 1813, American forces controlled the Thames Valley west of Moraviantown. In early December a detachment of 3 officers and 36 men of the American 26th Regiment established a post near here at the house of Thomas McCrae. Before daybreak on December 15, 1813, they were surprised by Lieutenant Henry Medcalf and 32 members from the Norfolk and Middlesex Militia, the Kent Volunteers and the Provincial Dragoons. After a brief resistance the Americans surrendered and were taken prisoner.

Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1812.

Location. 42° 22.906′ N, 82° 14.997′ W. Marker is near Chatham, Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. Marker is on Riverview Line (County Route 36) 2 kilometers west of Bloomfield Road, on the left when traveling east. This historical marker is located west of Chatham, at a small roadside park, on the north side of the road, close to two Tecumseh Parkway markers, very near the Thames River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7391 Riverview Line, Chatham ON N7M 5J5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within 6 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Nations Encampment: Thomas McCrae Farm (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Skirmish at McCrae's House (a few steps from this marker); British Army River Crossing to Dolsen's Landing (approx. 1.9 kilometers away); Casualties of the Skirmish (approx. 6 kilometers away); Skirmish at the Forks (approx. 6.1 kilometers away); a different marker also named Skirmish at the Forks (approx. 6.1 kilometers away); British Encampment: Forks of the Thames (approx. 6.1 kilometers away); The Forks (approx. 6.1 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

2. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

A close-up view of the text on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

3. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

View looking west, along Riverview Line, of the featured historical marker along with two, related, additional markers.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

4. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

View looking east, along Riverview Line, of the featured historical marker along with two, related, additional markers.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

5. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

View of the historical marker, in the foreground, with a view of the Thames River (as seen through the nearby trees) in the distant background.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

6. Skirmish at McCrae's House Marker

Another view of both the featured historical marker and the two related markers with the Thames River in the background.

McCrae's House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

7. McCrae's House

View of the McCrae House, which is the first structure to the east of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 869 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of the French text • Can you help?