The 'Colored Corps' 1812-1815

Photo by Alan L Brown - August 22, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of Niagara
The Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake
On the walkway circling the Brock Monument in the park at Niagara Parkway and Portage Road

Plaque Text

When the War of 1812 began, people of African descent in the Niagara peninsular feared an American invasion. They were anxious to preserve their freedom and prove their loyalty to Britain. Many joined the militia; others offered to raise their own militia company. Authorities responded by forming a 'Colored Corps' of about thirty men commanded by white officers. Based in the Niagara region throughout the war, it fought at Queenston Heights in October 1812 and at the siege of Fort George in May 1813. The corps was disbanded soon after the peace, but had nonetheless set a precedent. Black units were a feature of the Canadian military until the First World War.