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BATTLE // June 24, 1813

Battle of Beaver Dams

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Significance

The Battle of Beaver Dams resulted in the capture of approximately 500 U.S. troops during the War of 1812, a significant loss for the American force that had marched from Fort George intending to neutralize a British outpost. The operation failed entirely: rather than surprising the British position, the American column was ambushed and its commander among those taken prisoner. The outcome denied the United States control of the Beaver Dams outpost and reinforced British and Indigenous defensive strength in the Niagara Peninsula. The battle is also notable for the role of Laura Secord, a civilian resident of Queenston who, having overheard American officers billeted at her home, undertook a difficult overland journey to warn the British, enabling the defenders to prepare the ambush that destroyed the column.

Tactics

The American force marched from Fort George and billeted overnight at Queenston before resuming toward the British outpost at Beaver Dams. Before they arrived, Kahnawake and other Indigenous warriors the column. The Americans, having lost their combat effectiveness and with their commander wounded, surrendered to a small British detachment led by Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. The decisive action was carried out by the Indigenous warriors; FitzGibbon's regular force accepted the surrender.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Royaume-Uni400
    medium
  • États-Unis600
    medium

États-Unis fielded a 1.5 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • États-Unis462
    medium77% loss rate
Order of battle →Casualties in detail →

Commanders (2)

First Nations

United States

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Related

6 sibling battles · 4 factions

Last verified June 2026
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