1812 in Canada
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See also: 1811 in Canada, other events of 1812, 1813 in Canada and the list of 'years in Canada'.
Events
- June 18 - The U.S. declares war on Britain, beginning the War of 1812. There are but 4,000 British troops in Canada. Sir George Prevost is Governor. Four Canadian battalions are assembled, and the Citadel at Quebec is guarded by the inhabitants.
- July 11 - Americans under General William Hull invade Canada from Detroit.
- August 16 - Sir Isaac Brock with a force of 1,350, nearly half Indians, takes Detroit. He paroles many of Hull's 2,000.
- August 20 - Launch of John Molson's second steamboat, the Swiftsure, at Montreal.
- August to October - The Red River settlement is begun in Canada's northwest on lands granted to Lord Selkirk by the Hudson's Bay Company.
- October - Almost half of Vermont's Legislators regard war as needless and impolitic; but Vermont imposes a penalty of $1,000 for every unauthorized communication with Canadians.
- October 13 - Stephen Van Renselaer's command is repulsed, on Queenston Heights by Gen. Sheaffe and Governor Brock, who is killed. Of the 10,000 under Van Renselaer, many were unwilling to invade, though willing to defend the United States.
- Fighting on the same side as British militia and Mohawk Indians, a group of black soldiers helps force American invaders to retreat in the Battle of Queenston Heights.
- October 25 - Battle at St. Regis.
- November 20 - Henry Dearborn's command cross the Lacolle. Charles de Salaberry eludes them, and, in the haze, U.S. troops fire upon each other.
- David Thompson retires to Montreal.
- The Americans gain several victories, on the water, as Napoleon engages the British attention.
- The United States call out 175,000 men, Canada 2,000.
- For all purposes Canada votes 87,000 pounds.
Births
- December 12 - John Sandfield Macdonald, Premier of Ontario
Deaths
- October 13 - Major General Sir Isaac Brock