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… 

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 Head of the Lake Loop
Includes the communities of Ancaster, Dundas, Hamilton and Stoney Creek

The term "Head of the Lake" derived from an earlier French term: “Fond du Lac”.  The portage here connected Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, from Dundas over the height of land to the streams running down to the Grand River at Brant’s Ford (Brantford).   As one of the ancient routes bypassing Niagara Falls, the area from Burlington Heights through Cootes Paradise to the portage at Dundas was a major gathering point for First Nations and early settlers. 

Following European colonization, the Head of the Lake came to refer to a larger area including Barton (Hamilton), Ancaster and Dundas.  This meaning was used during, and in the years following, the War of 1812.  Although the goal of several American advances during the war, this area with its strategic Heights, remained in British hands. 

Richard Beasley built his merchant home on Burlington Heights as early as the late 1780’s.  During the summer of 1813, the British army, recognizing the strategic importance of Beasley’s property, built a supply depot and defensive earthworks (still visible today) there.  After the Battle of the Thames, soldiers and warriors retreated to this area with their families.  Between 4,000 and 7,000 people congregated on Burlington Heights, including many whose properties were destroyed during the raiding and fighting in South Western Upper Canada in late 1813 and 1814.

By late fall of 1813, the area was the site of numerous “hospitals” for soldiers.  There were hundreds of patients at Burlington Heights and all available buildings, including the Union Hotel, in and around the village of Ancaster were used as places of convalescence for the soldiers.  Many homes abandoned by deserters to the US were also confiscated for this purpose.  In Barton, Doctor Case’s homestead was used as a hospital in June 1813, as it was half way between the Stoney Creek battle site and Burlington Heights.  Doctor Case and his family cared for all soldiers, on both sides of the war. 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…

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 York Road Trail
Includes the communities of Toronto, Oakville and Burlington

York Road was a relatively short stretch of road connecting the west end of Barton (Hamilton) with the lower route to the town of York (Toronto) along the northern shore of Lake Ontario (modern Lakeshore Road).  Its line was from the east-west road from Niagara (modern King Street) and through Burlington Heights.  At the north end of the Heights it descended to cross Grindstone Creek.  By the end of the war a wooden bridge had been constructed, but throughout most of the war Grindstone Creek was crossed by ferry. The road then ran northeast to link up with the York-bound road.

Although it provided an access to the Heights from the north, York Road never proved a weak spot in the defences of the Heights. The surrounding terrain was heavily wooded, and difficult to negotiate.

The journey along York Road includes a visit to the Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto and ventures through Mississauga and Oakville.  This area was settled by veterans of the war as they received land grants for their service.  You can fully explore the cemetaries and all the relevant sites using the mobile app created by Heritage Mississauga found at the Apple App Store.  The York Road trail ends at  the Joseph Brant Museum in Burlington; where you will learn about the famous Six Nations leader.  Join them for their annual Joseph Brant Day on the August holiday Monday. 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…

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.

Route 1812 ~ INTRODUCTION  (Excerpt)
This historic trail is a collection of nine trails with each section showing the entire trail followed by detailed inserts showing how to navigate to the specific 1812 sites along the Route.  There is also a full index in the back giving detailed information on the sites listed.

Welcome to Route 1812.  The route is a collection of historic trails used 200 years ago by Native warriors, British soldiers and settlers throughout Southern Ontario.  These trails will take you on a historic journey as you learn what happened in Upper Canada (Southern Ontario) during the War of 1812.  Feel free to explore these trails in any direction and order.  You will find historic sites, museums, events, and even colourful Barn Quilts along the way; all telling the local story of how the war affected various settlements.  Stop at the communities along the way to fully explore the local sites as you learn how the original settlers defended their homes and forged our nationhood.  Please respect private property.  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…

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.

WCA Projects include …

Cultural Mapping:

A database of the Cultural Asset Inventory for members within the Region has been established. This inventory will provide the content for an events trail, map and calendar of events and will form the bases for an interactive online database.

Western Corridor Alliance Website:

As a portal the WCA website will link to the websites of regional partners as well as provincial initiatives. This site will provide an interactive, searchable database for the events in the region during the bicentennial, it will be a platform for videos, and an interactive map linking to events, cultural institutions and tourism packages (ie: hotels & restaurants).

Route 1812:

A driving trail linking historic sites and cultural institutions within the region will be created. It will link to trails in the Southwest, Toronto and Niagara regions as well. A team is currently researching where the trail should go and what sites will be marked along the trail.

Check their website for Map.

Desert Between Us and Them - Raiders, Traitors, and Refugees
in the War of 1812:

A documentary that will tell the story of this region’s involvement in the War of 1812. It will empower the citizens of this region to create an educational and promotional multimedia toolkit, as it will have mobile application and an online component. It will also have an education learning guide that will be distributed to over 900 schools in Ontario.

Brock’s Walk:

An events trail will be established highlighting all the 1812 events and programs during the bicentennial.

2013 Great Lakes Tall Ships Tour:

Provincial Regional Managers are coordinating efforts to develop a tour of Tall Ships in the Great Lakes during the summer of 2013.

“A Defining Moment – The War of 1812”:

The Six Nations Legacy Consortium (SNLC) is producing a 50 page booklet/handbook which will focus on the significance of the War of 1812 to the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations of the Grand River. It will discuss the events that led up to their involvement in this war, the war itself and the often decisive role of the warriors in ensuring success for their allies, and the outcome of this war as it was applied then and in its interpretation today.

River System Travelling Exhibit:

A travelling exhibition to tell the collective stories along the Grand River Watershed over the last 200 years. This project provides a unique partnership opportunity to tie the collective stories along the Grand River from pre-contact through to present day by creating a portable travelling exhibit. This exhibit can be displayed in malls, libraries, arenas, etc. It can also be supplemented with artifacts for use at museums and other heritage sites. There will also be a website component (exhibit can be online) and audio/podcast tours.

Canadian Art Cards – War of 1812 Series:

The WCA will participate in the province wide initiative to develop products, promote Canadian artists and teach history to the general public.

Barn Quilts:

A series of “barn quilts” (quilt blocks painted on the sides of barns) along the 1812 Discovery Trail to tell the regional story of the war. Through community engagement, local historians, artists, students and farmers are needed for the success of the project.

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…

“History is Objective” …. “It Does Matter”…

“History is Objective” …. “It Does Matter”…

Interview with the Canadian War Museum, featuring Dr. Peter MacLeod, Historian, Pre-Confederation

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOLUNTEERS repeat HISTORY…. A Key to Success!

Volunteers play a key role in our society today. I myself volunteer at a local Pioneer Village and Museum. My role is Volunteer Appreciation Liaison. Here, I can clearly see the critical role Volunteers/Interpreters take in continuing to educate the public’s understanding of our great Canadian History. Volunteers are a vital part of our society in maintaining the ongoing pursuits to provide continued education and awareness. I wondered if the Canadian War Museum – War of 1812 Exhibition had a system to help keep the volunteers organized and could they share some of their “techniques” with us! I also asked if they could share with us some systems on managing so many volunteers! The reply…“Volunteer support is very important for the Canadian War Museum and we are very fortunate to have many veterans and civilian volunteers involved in many areas of the Museum. Canadian history and more specifically in our own case, Canadian military history, is a subject of great significance to many who come to us hoping to share their insights with visitors and Museum colleagues.” 

~

“History is Objective” …. “It Does Matter”…

Interview with the Canadian War Museum, featuring Dr. Peter MacLeod, Historian, Pre-Confederation

FUNDING & SPONSORSHIP … A Key to Success …

With the economic challenges today, it would seem it critical to obtain/maintain Sponsor Funding and Other Sources of funding. I asked the Canadian War Museum how they obtained funding, particularly for the War of 1812 Exhibition. During our interview Dr. Peter MacLeod spoke of the unique relationship with their sponsors in that they hold a similar raison d’être. …“We are very pleased to have TD as a National Presenting Sponsor and Ancestry.ca as the National Supporting Sponsor for 1812. TD is an active corporate community member interested in supporting culture, history and education. Ancestry.ca’s mission involves connecting Canadians to their unique family stories. Sponsoring 1812 allows each organization to further support their mandate and community engagement.

A question I believe our readers might be interested in knowing is how does the Canadian War Museum keep their sponsors interested in supporting their efforts and how do they establish and maintain a successful relationship. The response …“The key to all successful relationships is sharing a common goal. Engaging Canadians through history and education is key to the mandate of the War Museum and a shared goal with TD and Ancestry.ca.”

“History is Objective” …. “It Does Matter”…

“History is Objective” …. “It Does Matter”…
Interview with the Canadian War Museum
Featuring Dr. Peter MacLeod, Historian, Pre-Confederation

 “Capturing the Essence”… for all!

We captured an extraordinary experience during our walk through the War of 1812 Exhibition! … We asked Avra Gibbs Lamey, Communications and Media Relations Officer during our walk about if there was going to be any “on-line” access for people who just can not attend either the CWM or the travelling exhibition.  I for one, would be excited to attend all the activities, but will not be able to get to them all.

“Later on this year, we will be launching a virtual exhibition that will include an overview of each perspective as well as interactive elements to allow visitors to share their own perspectives. This virtual exhibition will remain online after the exhibition at the Canadian War Museum closes on January 6, 2013”

We also have a publication entitled Four Wars of 1812 which looks at the conflict using the same approach as the exhibition and includes photographs of many of the key artifacts in the exhibition for each perspective. It is available at the Museum and through our online boutique (http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/cyberboutique/the-1894/Four-Wars-of-1812/Detail?tsetlock=English_Version)

We also asked Avra Gibbs Lamey if the CWM War of 1812 Exhibition and all activities be accessible to all or will there be some accessibility restrictions.

“All exhibitions designed to be shown at the War Museum are wheelchair accessible. We also follow accessibility guidelines that guide font sizes and graphic design.

For those who cannot visit the museum in person, we also have travelling exhibitions, a virtual exhibition (to be launched in late 2012) and a publication.

The schedule for the traveling exhibition can be found here: http://www.warmuseum.ca/event/1812-1?calendar_date=2012-10-25. Versions of the exhibition will travel across Canada and internationally until 2015.

 

The virtual exhibition will include an overview of each perspective as well as interactive elements to allow visitors to share their own perspectives. This virtual exhibition will remain online after the exhibition at the Canadian War Museum closes on January 6, 2013.

Our publication entitled Four Wars of 1812 looks at the conflict using the same approach as the exhibition and includes photographs of many of the key artifacts in the exhibition for each perspective. It is available at the Museum and through our online boutique (http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/cyberboutique/the-1894/Four-Wars-of-1812/Detail?tsetlock=English_Version)”.

(To Be Continued)