The Battle of Lundy's Lane was a significant and notable battle for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has often been characterized as the most viscous, desperate and bloody battle of the war as the two evenly matched armies of Lieutenant-General Gordon Drummond and General Jacob Brown fought toe to toe through the afternoon and evening of July 25, 1814. Casualties were high on both sides. Secondly, although each side claimed victory, the battle clearly marked the beginning of the end for the American invasion of the Niagara region in 1814 and subsequent end of the war.
In the late afternoon, Drummond, who had positioned himself on the high ground around the cemetery was advanced upon by General Winfield Scott's 1st Brigade of the American Left Division. Scott attacked across the open fields below this high ground (present day location of Battlefield School) and came under a murderous artillery barrage.
Both armies poured reinforcements into the fray and the battle raged on into the night with the Americans repeatedly assaulting the British artillery position. When the Americans finally were victorious in taking the British guns they were immediately counter-attacked and had to weather several further counter-attacks. The battle continued for six long hours with the men fighting hand to hand in the dark with only the muzzle flashes of muskets providing any light.
Finally, after midnight the fighting subsided and shortly afterwards the Americans abandoned the ground that they had fought so hard to win and left it for the British.
This is a first time event that offers an exciting opportunity for enthusiasts of this period in our two nations history to re-enact one of the most famous battles of the period on the actual ground on which it was originally fought. The City of Niagara Falls has partnered with Fort George to stage this event to promote awareness of an exciting park development project on the actual battle site.
Sunday July 22, 2001
Each posted action includes a brief historical account, detailed orders of battle, Commander's initial orders, tabletop map, and when played by the group an after action report.
