Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Low Cost Family Fun! …

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814 website at www.westerncorridor1812.com

Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance ~ Interview Continues

Route 1812 ~ Low Cost Family Fun! …

As our interview continues, I was interested to know from Adrienne what the demographic of the Route 1812 Project would consist of and where will the key visitors to Route 1812 come from?

We promote to three types of people; those with time and resources, usually retired people who are interested in history; then families looking for local fun activities that don’t cost a lot, and finally adventure seekers looking for experiences and unique trips that again are not too expensive. So we look to locals who want to plan “staycations”; but we are also encouraging the same sort of people from the States, as they may journey into Canada on their travels looking for more local stories. Ms. Horne goes on to tell us … As part of regional tourism marketing campaigns, word about Route 1812 is part of national and international call outs. The Western Corridor Alliance webpage has all the information to learn more about the route and to get the items needed to travel the route, such as the mobile app, the map & guide and the cd of stories of the War of 1812 along the way.

Route 1812 ~ Challenges Along the Way …

Ontario Visited wondered what might be some of the challenges that the “visitors” might expect during their “Tour through Route 1812”? Adrienne tells us … I would expect that navigation is going to be the most challenging aspect. The mobile app is based on a Google map, so that gets to the detail needed to get to the sites which are mainly off the beaten paths. We did produce a paper map, which also gives that level of detail, but I would imagine that people might still have challenges along the way. The whole point of Route 1812 is to follow the original trails from 200 years ago, so it naturally follows the smaller roads.

Unfortunately, we have not created uniform road signage for the trail. There have not been the resources to coordinate such an effort, as it requires working with all the municipalities and counties along the route and a lot of signs would be required.

To overcome some of these challenges, Adrienne says … Well, I encourage people to use the mobile app; it gets to the detail needed to navigate the route. The mobile app also has other information about the area, such as restaurants, hotels and other attractions to make the journey more enjoyable.  Stay tuned for more exciting news …

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Impact & Importance in our Society Today! …

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814 website at www.westerncorridor1812.com

Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance ~ Interview Continues
Route 1812 ~ Impact & Importance in our Society Today! …

I was able to ask Ms. Horne, just how important is the “Route 1812” Project and how does it impact our society today? She shares with us … Today, people are looking to find out about their roots in this land and Route 1812 gives them an outlet to share their stories. Each area created their section of Route 1812, the community told me where the paths were in their area and what stories to tell. Route 1812 gives people a canvas for them to tell their story in their own way.

So a project like the Southwestern Ontario Barn Quilt Trail has taken off and is growing every day. This project uses the trails along Route 1812 to display 8 foot square barn quilt blocks which are images representing elements in the community’s history. What I love about this project is that communities come together to create them. Quilters, researchers, artists, carpenters, farmers and community groups come together to write the story, select the blocks, make them and install them on barns or buildings. It is a real community effort and they are proud of their story when it is done and want people to also learn the stories and enjoy finding the blocks.  

Although I can see that we will learn from visiting the historic sites, museums, events, colourful Barn Quilts along the way while visiting Route 1812 historic trails … I asked Adrienne in what way will the local stories tell how the war affected various settlements? I also asked, will these “Barn Quilts” tell us clearly the social impact of the settlers who had to defend their homes and send men off to fight during the War of 1812?

Ms. Adrienne Horne says …Beyond the Barn Quilts, you will find museums along the way are creating wonderful War of 1812 themed exhibits, telling the local stories in their own way. For the Western Corridor, this is mostly about how the war effected the local populations and their homes. Visitors will learn about raids, traitors, burnings and yes, battles too. The Ontario Visual Heritage Project has nearly completed their film on the War of 1812 in Southern Ontario; titled A Desert Between Us and Them: Raiders, Traitors and Refugees in the War of 1812. This documentary brings to life all the stories told along Route 1812. Stay tuned for more. It launches at 6 pm on August 24 at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford.  … Low Cost Family Fun & More … Stay tuned for more … Low Cost Family Fun & More …

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Passion & Enthusiasm ….

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814 website at www.westerncorridor1812.com

Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance ~ Interview Continues

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Passion & Enthusiasm ….

If you have ever had some time to speak with Adrienne, you might notice the conversation has far more “passion” then just discussing “history”. It’s not just her knowledge that you notice either. I asked Adrienne if she could share some of the passion and overall enthusiasm for this Route 1812 Project.

Adrienne replies … I suppose I have always had a love for history. I studied Cultural Anthropology in University, and then took up the role of Family Historian from my grandfather. My family has had a long and influential impact on Canada’s history, including roles in the War of 1812.

I was so excited when I was hired to help the province commemorate the War of 1812. I was finally able to use both my Anthropology and Family History in my career. It helped that I have a strong background in museum studies and project management too!

For me Route 1812 gives communities the opportunity to tell their own story of their history. I never liked history in grade school and I think it was because it went from one war to another. I always thought there must be something more to history then just fighting and so I went into Anthropology, to learn how people live together. As ironic as it seems now to be in yet another war, Route 1812 has given me the outlet to tell the people’s stories, off the battlefields.

Route 1812 is about the social impact the war had on the citizens. It is the social impact that I am interested in. How did we defend our homes and come together in times of trouble, to then stay together to form a great nation? It is that legacy that Canadians should be proud of and celebrate. Stay tuned for more exciting news ...

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

Welcome to Route 1812 ~ Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814 website at www.westerncorridor1812.com

Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance ~ Interview Continues

ROUTE 1812 CONCEPT …

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance gave us some history-background of the initial concept Route 1812 Program

Dave Westhouse (A London Re-enactor from the Upper Canada Military Re-enactment Society) presented this trail idea to the Western Corridor Alliance in the early fall of 2010. Dave suggested that we start by plotting out where the trail would be, on a map, and then identify the 1812 sites along its route. After that is done we can identify sites within a specific distance on either side of the trail that may garner further public interest and go on from there. He figured that this project could be quite huge and garner a lot of attention from every community it passes through and beyond.

I then learned that prior to this, Ian Bell had tabled this idea, called it Brock’s Walk, and it was to go from Fort York, through Hamilton, Brantford and then down to Port Dover.

Then I spoke with Zig Misiak from Brantford, and he too had the same idea as Ian, recreate the route Brock took from Fort York to Amherstberg to join forces with Tecumseh and capture Fort Detroit.

Where Dave, from London, had the path going from the Tecumseh Monument to Dundurn Castle, and both Ian and Zig suggested a route from Toronto to Amherstberg, I knew I had something. These 3 men had independently proposed essentially the same idea but for different areas, throughout Southern Ontario. The WCA Steering Committee supported this project concept and I was instructed to set up a committee of partners to flush out the route and sites to list.

As I have talked about Ms. Horne in the past, she is a very creative, knowledgeable and passionate person when it comes to “History”! I wasn’t surprised to see how much Adrienne was a contributor to this Route 1812 project, but, it did want to ask her   how long she has been involved with Route 1812 and how did she get involved? 

Ms. Adrienne tells us  ... I became involved with this project from its becoming committee work in September of 2010; just prior to that Dave Westbrook was working with the London Heritage Council to see where the idea could go. As the proposed trail was to go through the WCA, I was charged with its organization.

I thought our readers would be interested to learn from Adrienne, what was the philosophy and thought process of the decisions in respect to the concepts, activities, themes, events for Route 1812?

Adrienne Horne replies … The concept was to research, plot and refine the main trails that would have been used 200 years ago and identify War of 1812 sites of significance to mark along the way. It was a way to allow each community along the route to participate in telling their own stories from the War of 1812. We allowed them to tell us what was going to go on the route and looked to them to provide the stories.

This must has taken a lot of planning, so just how far in advance did the work begin?   Adrienne tells me … Planning sessions began in the late fall of 2010 and wrapped up in the spring of 2012. That is a lot of dedication and passion to keep that much concentrated effort and Ontario Visited applauds the hard work of all involved in the Route 1812 Project. Stay tuned for more exciting news information about the planning of Route 1812. Stay tuned for more with Adrienne Horne, ROUTE 1812 & MORE!

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

Pathways to Peace ~ Western Corridor War of 1812-1814

Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor 
Judi McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
Discovery Harbour ~ Interpreter

Several years ago Ontario Visited joined the Provincial Directors and Managers for the War of 1812 Bicentennial activities that would take place from approximately 2012 – 2014. During our time with these folks, we had the wonderful opportunity to tour Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishine. As we walked about the grounds, young interpreters in heritage clothing talked about the games children played during these years. The game “Snakes and Ladders” was explained by the interpreter and had a very distinct different meaning than the simple game that I had played as a child. One of the highlights of the day for me was getting to spend some quality time with Adrienne Horne, Adrienne Horne, M.A., Regional Project Manager, Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance. Adrienne was particularly fun as she shared some of her own childhood experiences, knowledge gained over the years and reflection of her own children’s points of view; all relating to the War of 1812 and “Living History”. Since that time, Adrienne has been a wonderful contributor to Ontario Visited’s various “Blogs & Articles” by providing articles, reflections, knowledge, and perspectives!

Today, we are fortunate to share some NEW EXCITING information through a brand new interview with, Adrienne Horne, M.A. 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 welcome you to visit their website at www.westerncorridor1812.com for all details and current information. Our next Blog will talk about ROUTE 1812 CONCEPT, and the journey forward. Stay tuned!

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 thought we would start by introducing the Western Corridor 1812-1814 Projects. We welcome you to visit their website at www.westerncorridor1812.com for all details and current information.

The Iroquois Trail
Includes the communities of Grimbsy, Selkirk, and Port Dover

The Iroquois Trail has been identified since the late 1700’s as running along the lower route from Niagara to the Head of the Lake; close to modern Hwy #8.  It was an important thoroughfare and figures in both military and civilian correspondence - complete with distances between important landmarks - as part of the most direct route from Sandwich Towne in the west to Niagara.

The Iroquois trail tells the story of the courageous Billy Green, who warned the British that the American’s were about to attack Burlington Heights.  Although a battle took place at Stoney Creek, Green’s efforts ensured the British had enough troops to defend the area. 

The trail also follows the Lake Erie shoreline where American marauders pillaged, burned and murdered settlers along its path.  Including the murder of Captain William Francis, at what is now Selkirk Park and burning of the mills at Port Dover.  It is also along this trail that the Norfolk Militia raised its arms against these marauders at the Battle of Nanticoke, killing one American and arresting 16 others who would later stand trial in Ancaster at the Bloody Assize in 1814. There is so much to see and do, plan to visit again. Join us with Ontario Visited’s next Blog issue as Route 1812 ~ Interview with Adrienne Horne, MA, Regional Project Manager ~ Stay Tuned …

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 thought we would start by introducing the Western Corridor 1812-1814 Projects. We welcome you to visit their website at www.westerncorridor1812.com for all details and current information.

Grand River Trail
Includes the communities of Oshweken, Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunville

About half of the Six Nations Confederacy, with a majority of Mohawks, settled along the Grand River in 1783.  There were some Delaware’s who made their homes south east of the present site of Cayuga and a few Mississauga’s remained along the south west bank of the river in Oneida Township. 

Joseph Brant, who had been Captain of the Indian Department during the American Revolution, was the leader and spokesman for the Six Nations.  When he saw the vastness of the territory, he invited his comrades and friends, who had served with him during the war and had lost their properties in the Mohawk Valley in New York State, to establish their homes in the Grand River Valley.

The first to arrive was Lt. John Young who had served for seven years in the Indian Department.  His father Adam Young, a private with Butler's Rangers, together with John's brothers, Daniel, a sergeant, and Henry, a private, made their homes on the shores of the river, southeast of York.

In 1784, following the American Revolution, Sir Frederick Haldimand, Governor-in-Chief of Canada, granted to the Six Nations a tract of land extending for 10 km (6 miles) on both sides of the Grand River from its source to Lake Erie.  This grant was made in recognition of their services as allies of the British Crown during the war and to recompense them for the loss of their former lands in northern New York State.  During the War of 1812, the Six Nations again reaffirmed their allegiance to the British and joined them in defence of their newly established home.

In later years large areas of this tract, including portions of the present counties of Haldimand, Brant, Waterloo and Wellington were sold to white settlers.  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…