Gen. Sir Isaac Brock. K.C.B.

Gen. Sir Isaac Brock. K.C.B.. Brockville was named after the Provisional Civi Administrator of Upper Canada and the Commanding Officier of the British forces in Upper Canada during the War of 18 12-1814. , The government of Upper Canada first named this community “Elizabethtown” after moving the site of district administration here in 1809. The building of the first Court House and Gaol in the village was completed in 1810. The surrounding township was also named Elizbethtown, so the local citizens were searching for a different and generally acceptable name to apply to their new hamlet. , Following a period when major landowners and citizens failed to agree on a suitable local name, the name “Brockville” was suggested in 1812. , Major-General Isaac Brock had perviously led his troops and succeeded in winning the Battle of Detroit on August 16, 1812 by forcing the surrender of U.S. General, William Hull, and his garrison there. As a result of this action, General Brock was at the height of his popularity. The used of his name would, therefore, have been considered quite a coup for this young and growing village. , It was a terrible tragedy later when General Brock was shot and killed while leading a charge up the heights, west of the village of Queenston, Upper Canada, on October 13, 1812. He had been targeted by an American sharpshooter waiting amongst the enemy force holding the top of the hill. , The “Saviour of Canada” was cut down defending the Niagara area from American invaders and his loss was a terrible shock to his troops and to most Canadians. A week later, official notice arrived by post that Isaac Brock had been selected to receive a knighthood from the King. After Brock’s death, the King conferred on him the title, Knight Commander of the Bath. , The name Brockville began to be used immediately, gaining the support of local political figures such as Charles Jones, William Buell, and other citizens. The name was approved by the Crown on June 3, 1813. , The bronze bust and stone monument nearby was proposed by the members of the General Brock Chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (I.O.D.E.). After eight years effort, the IODE, raised the funds for its creation and erection. The bust of General Sir Isaac Brock was created by Hamilton McCarthy of Ottawa, on of the leading sculptors of his day. , The monument to General Brock was unveiled during a ceremony here on August 19, 1912 in the centenary year of his death.