Prescott in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Capture of Ogdensburg

1813

Photographed By Kevin Craft, August 4, 2015

1. Capture of Ogdensburg Marker

Inscription. On the morning of February 22, 1813, Lieutenant-Colonel "Red George" Macdonell of the Glengarry Light Infantry set out from Prescott with a force of some 480 regulars and militia to capture the strong United States military post at Ogdensburg. The attack was made in retaliation for the recent American raid on Brockville and was contrary to the orders of the commander-in-chief, Sir George Prevost. Advancing across the ice, Macdonell's force presented an easy target for the enemy artillery, but after a fierce battle of about two hours the American garrison of some 500 men was routed and Ogdensburg fell.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1813.

Location. 44° 42.218′ N, 75° 31.245′ W. Marker is in Prescott, Ontario, in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. Marker can be reached from Sophia Street, 0.1 kilometers south of Corrine Street. Marker is at the end of the street and around the last building down by the waterfront. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Sophia Street, Prescott ON K0E 1T0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jean Casselman Wadds (a few steps from this marker); Prescott, Ontario (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Glasgow, Smyth Building

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(approx. 0.7 kilometers away); The Rothesay (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Justus Sherwood 1747-1798 (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Forwarders' Museum (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Rotary Clock Tower and L. H. Daniels Memorial Clock (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Prescott Raid on Ogdensburgh (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prescott.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “The Americans were used to seeing British troops drilling on the frozen Saint Lawrence and were taken by surprise when they suddenly charged. The riflemen in the fort held out against the frontal attack, mainly because the British guns became stuck in snow drifts, and American artillery, under Adjutant Daniel W. Church of Colonel Benedict's regiment and Lieutenant Baird of Forsyth’s company, fired on the British with mixed results. As the British main body threatened to surround them, they retreated and abandoned the town. ” (Submitted on March 30, 2018.)

Wideview of Capture of Ogdensburg Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin Craft, August 4, 2015

2. Wideview of Capture of Ogdensburg Marker

The Glengarry Light Infantry attacks across the frozen river at the 1813 Battle of Ogdensburg image. Click for full size.

Collection of the British Library, via Wikipedia Commons, 1895

3. The Glengarry Light Infantry attacks across the frozen river at the 1813 Battle of Ogdensburg

“Musket balls began to drop in the ranks, and men leaped into the air to fall flat upon the glittering ice.” Illustration from page 259 of the 1895 British book Illustrated Battles of the Nineteenth Century, volume 2.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. 3. submitted on March 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.