Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Ontario Visited is pleased to welcome Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor 1812-1814 to our Article Section of Ontario Visited ~ War of 1812 Website. We will continue with Welcome to Route 1812 ~ a Western Corridor 1812-1814 Project. We welcome you to visit their website at www.westerncorridor1812.com for all details and current information.(Excerpt)

The Detroit Path
Includes the communities of Brantford, Burford, Ingersoll, and Delaware

The original First Nation trail lead from the Head of the Lake down across the Grand River at the oxbow and continued to the Detroit River. 

In the East Oxford Township this section of the path was widened by settlers at the expense of Major Thomas Ingersoll in 1796-97.  This part of the path became known as the Old Stage Road and as it was later extended to Delaware, it became the preferred highway to Sandwich Towne and was used by British and American troops during the war.

The Old Stage Road still exists today between Ingersoll and Cathcart.  The only part of the road that is broken from the original is the section at Dodge Line and Curry Road as it was changed to cross over the 401.  Although there are gravel sections; the road is signed, well maintained and is a very scenic and historic drive.

In 1810, the Government of Upper Canada opened the Detroit Path as the principal road leading up from the East Oxford Township across Burford Township and connecting near Brant's Ford on the Grand River with a road to Long Point from Ancaster.  When the war broke out in 1812 a considerable sum was spent on improving this road for military reasons.  It was cross-wayed with logs in order to render it available for the transport of troops and military stores and wagons.  In 1815, this road was greatly improved, being planked for a considerable distance, graded, and, when the requisite labour could be obtained, levelled up with gravel.

After 1826, it became the stage route from Ancaster to London until the completion of the plank road from Brantford to Woodstock in 1843.

Look for the colourful Barn Quilts, painted boards on the sides of Barns and buildings through Brant and Oxford Counties as part of the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails.  They tell the social impact stories of the settlers who had to defend their homes and send men off to fight during the War of 1812. There is so much to see and do, plan to visit again. Join us with Ontario Visited’s next Blog issue as Route 1812 Journey continues…