War of 1812: Before and during battle

• [1788] Plan of the River from Niagara to Fort Schlosser

Map shows the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Chippewa River including Fort Niagara, Fort Schlosser, the line of the escarpment and hydrological features. Oriented with north to the right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 26862.

• [1794] Plan of the Town of Fort Erie

Map shows lots for merchants along the shore south of Fort Erie, (old and new fort) with a construction drawing and section of the proposed Fort. Oriented with north to the right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 5258.

• [1796] Plan of the Ground on the West Side The Entrance of Niagara River Exhibiting the Reservations for Military Purposes

The boundary of the military reserve in Niagara-on-the-Lake is indicated.  Fort George is shown with buildings (planned or built), the presence of a marsh, and the relief of the area is indicated. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 11397.

• [1798] The King's Reserved Land at Fort Erie in the Province of Upper Canada

Map shows the situation and dimensions proposed for building lots for merchants and traders on the King's Reserved land at Fort Erie. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3800.

• [1798] Plan showing the situation & dimensions proposed for Building lots for Merchants & Traders in the Kings reserved land at Fort Chippawa in Upper Canada (Signed) Gother Mann Coln Commandg R1 Engrs Quebec 30 June 1798  Approved (signed) Robt Prescott.

The map shows the Niagara River and the mouth of Chippawa River.  The military reserve, the bridge, and the new building lots along Chippawa River are indicated. Several existing buildings are drawn with their owners identified.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 6187.

• [1798] Plan shewing the situation & Dimensions proposed for building lots for Merchants & Traders on the King’s reserved Land near the West Landing on the Niagara River in the province of Upper Canada. (Signed) Gother Mann Col Commg R1 Engrs Quebec 30th June 1798 Approved (Signed) Robt Prescott By order of the Commander in Chief (Signed) James Green Mil. Secy

The plan shows the location and dimensions of the proposed building lots for merchants and traders in Queenston.  It shows Robert Hamilton & Co occupying one lot, storehouse, “A Range of Log Buildings” (Rangers’ barracks), roads, cliff and two small lakes to the west.   It was included in Col McDonnell’s letter of 10 Aug 1798 enclosing permission for a bldg lot to Thomas Clark at Queenston.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4347.

• [1799] Plan of Fort George Upper Canada shewing the Works of Defence ordered to be constructed in 1799

Map shows "...military buildings including blockhouse, magazine, hospital and kitchen, officers' quarters, guardhouse, stonehouses, and wharf; also shows perimeter of Fort George, Navy Hall, Buildings for the Indian Dept, Fort Niagara, and reservation at Mississauga Point" (from Winearls, Mapping Upper Canada 1780-1876). Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 16811.

• [1802] Building lots near Fort George

Map shows the situation and dimensions proposed for building lots for merchants and traders on the King's reserved land near Fort George in the Province of Upper Canada. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 19552.

• [1803] Plan of the Situation of Fort Erie

Map shows the old fort ruins and plans for a proposed new fort with some buildings, roads and water features labelled. Includes a cross section of the new fortification. Oriented with north to the right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3801.

• [1803] Plan of the country round Fort Erie

Map shows the fort, surrounding forested area and entrenchments thrown up by the enemy in August 1814. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3803.

• [1807] Plan Shewing the Mill Scite, prayed for by Benjamin Hardison, James Macklem and John Fanning [Sgd] W Chewett Senr Surveyr & Driftsmn

The map shows Chippawa Creek and the Military Reserve alongside several buildings.  The shoreline and conditions of the Niagara River (i.e. course of raft and mill race) heading towards Bridgewater Mills (Fort Erie) are drawn.  “McGill and Canby’s Upper Boundary” and three other mill sites are noted.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21726.

• [1807] Bridgewater Mills 1807

The map depicts Bridgewater Mills (Fort Erie) from the entrance of Lake Erie going northward. The Black Rock ferry route from the U.S. is marked. Buildings (use and owners), reserve lands (i.e. military), and water conditions (current speed and rapids) are recorded. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3177.

• [1810] No. IV, Upper Canada. Plan of Niagara River

Map shows the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, including some vegetation, select roads and the location of Fort George, Missisauga Point, Niagara Falls, Goat Island, Fort Schlosser, Navy Island, Grand Island, Black Rock and Fort Erie. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21728-1 & 2.

• [1810] No V Upper Canada Plan of Niagara by A. Gray Asst Qr Mr Genl Quebec 20th Novr 1810 This Plan is from a Trigonometrical Survey by Lieut: Gray [Sgd] Q.M. Genls Office Quebec 1st June 1811 James Kempt Q M Genl N. America

The map shows the town of Niagara (now NOTL), Fort George, and Fort Niagara.   It shows all buildings in town, some named, including:  churches, courthouse, prison, and the Indian Council House.  Trees, relief, roads, creeks, rivers are shown.  Pin holes are present for tracing at corners of buildings and along roads. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 19551

• [1814] Plan of Niagara Frontier

Map shows Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario with military forts, landings, portage roads on both sides of Niagara River showing. North oriented to the right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 18466-1 & 2.

• [1814] Sketch showing the situation of Fort Erie and position of forces for the attack by the British [Sgd] J.B. Glegg Major & Asst Adjt Genl 1814

The sketch shows the area from Snake Hill past Fort Erie and the British lines to the headquarters of Lt Gen Drummond further north.  The Indian camp, camp and artillery park, picquets, trails, and fortifications by the British are depicted.  There is some detail of the American border and its military defenses.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4857.

• [1814]  Plan of part of the Niagara Frontier

The plan shows the area from 15 Mile Creek to Chippawa Creek at the Niagara River.  It shows the escarpment, wooded areas, roads, some houses and names of settlers, forts and battle sites.  The inset shows the Battle of Lundy’s Lane with the position of troops at different times and notes.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 18559.

• [1814] Plan of part of the Niagara Frontier shewing the Communications from thence to the 15 mile Creek July 1814 H Q Montreal [Sgd] Ph. Hughes Lt Col. Comg R1 Engr.

The map depicts the Niagara Frontier from Fifteen Mile Creek to Chippawa Creek at the Niagara River.  It shows roads, some houses and names of settlers, creeks, and the escarpment.  The location of forts and battles are indicated.  The inset shows the Battle of Lundy’s Lane with the position of troops at different times and includes detailed notes.  Map source: Map Library MapHst G 3462 N53 1814 H84

• [1814] [Endorsed title]: ‘Fort Erie as left by the Enemy.’ [Sgd] Sam Romilly Lieut R1 Engineers.

The map of Fort Erie was enclosed in Romilly’s letter to Lt Gen Drummond dated Chippawa 10 Nov 1814 in which he describes the conditions of the fortifications after the battle.  It shows the state of fortifications, the lines destroyed and those left intact, the fort (old and new), location of Snake Hill, relief, forested areas, and roads.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 70956.

• [1815] Plan of the Attack made upon Fort Erie (Upper Canada) by the Right Division of the British Army, under the Command of Lt Genl Drummond in August and Septr 1814 [Sgd] George Philpotts Lieut Royl Engineers, Capt Romilly Comg Rl Engineers Niagara Frontier. G. Nicolls Lt. Col. Cg R1 Engineers in Canada Quebec 27th July 1815

The plan shows the area of the British camp, entrenchments, and fort in Fort Erie.  Roads, cleared land and forested sections are depicted.  Several distances from Black Rock (American side) to the British batteries are marked. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22340.

• [1815] Plan of the Operations of the British Army, in front of Fort Erie, in the Months of August & Septembr 1814 under the Command of Lieutenant General Sir Gordon Drummond, Knight Commander of the Bath &c. &c. Copied from the Original of Lieut [W.A.] Nesfield by Geo. D. Cranfield D.A.Q.M. Genl. Kingston. Upper Canada. 3d May 1815.

The map shows Fort Erie as it was when taken by the Americans.  It depicts additional works raised by the American Army, Major Buck’s Rd, and roads cut by the British Army. It also shows entrenchments, fortifications, batteries and picquets on either side of the river; as well as, the position of troops. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22341.

• [1815] Map of the Niagara District in Upper Canada, by Lieutenant W.A. Nesfield, drawn partly from Survey, & from documents obtained from the Qr Mr Genls Department.

The map is orientated to the south and shows the Niagara Peninsula and area west to Long Point as it was just after the War of 1812.  The map was enclosed with Owen’s report to Croker no 82.  It shows the Niagara escarpment, swamps, roads, villages, houses (with names of settlers), forts and battle sites. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21587.

Post War of 1812—Maps depict battles, forts, etc. during the War of 1812 and proposed military structures

• [1816] Plan of a Fort proposed to be erected at Mississaugue Pt by [Sgd] Lt Col Nicolls Cg R1 Engineers Quebec

The plan shows in detail: Fort Niagara (US), Fort George (British), and the plan for Fort Mississauga.  The town of Newark (NOTL) is outlined.  Land relief and soundings in the Niagara River and Lake Ontario are noted.  This plan differs from an earlier one as Fort Mississauga has been “placed further back from the Lake & the Tower brought into the center of the Flat Bastion”.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 17882.

• [1817] Plan of Forts George, Mississaga and Niagara, Military Reserves, Town of Newark

Map shows the 3 forts, streets (unnamed), buildings, treed areas, Indian Council House, Butlers Barracks and boundary of Military Reserve. Includes various proposed changes to Fort Mississauga. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 16999.

• [1817?] A Plan of the Position of Queenston [Sgd] Jno. C. Alexander Lieut Royal Engrs Henry Vavasour Capt Comg R1 Engrs N.F.

The plan is of the village of Queenston.  It shows roads, boundaries of fields, relief, treed areas, ravines, wharfs, buildings, barracks, and the fuel yard. There is note of the ‘position where Brock fell’.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22750.

• [1818] The Niagara Frontier

Map from “Travels in Canada and the United States in 1816 and 1817” by Lieut. Francis Hall 14th Light Dragoons. It depicts the Niagara Peninsula with communities, roads, creeks, and the some topography features. Map source: Special Collections FC 72 H34 1818

• [1818] Plan of British Attack on Fort Erie, 1818

Map shows Fort Erie and surrounding area including vegetation, relief, wharf and buildings. Locations of attack lines, batteries and fortifications are labelled. Oriented with north to the right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3804.

• [1818] Grand River Entrance by Messrs Harris & Vidal Marine Surveyg [sic] Department under Capt W.F.W. Owen R.N. November

The map depicts the entrance of the Grand River from Lake Erie with physical geography (such as the sandbanks, nature of the shoreline, and soundings) drawn in detail.  The new naval settlement is shown on the east bank.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3310.

• [1819] Plan of the central part of the Province of Upper Canada Shewing the seat of War in the Years 1812, 1813, & 1814.  York 1st May 1819. [Sgd] J.G. Chewett D.S.

The map shows southern Ontario with the most detail in York Co (now Toronto) and the Niagara Peninsula.  Political jurisdictions, roads, forts, and physical features (such as: the Escarpment, marshes and creeks) are noted. Some names of settlers are identified.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 18556.

• [1819] The Military Reserve at Fort George. [Sgd] Niagara March 24th 1819 Arthur Walpole Lieut R Engrs Henry Vavacour Capn Comg R1 Engineers

The map accompanies letters from Col Durnford & Lt Col Bruyeres about encroachments on the military reserve.   It depicts the area from Fort Mississauga to Fort George with: relief, cleared areas, roads/paths; Butler’s barracks, Indian Council House, inns, Navy Hall, and the Engineers’ establishment. It shows Fort George as rebuilt (south part in ruins)and  encroachments near both forts.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22531.

• [1819] Plan shewing the ground proposed to be reserved for government ... at the entrance of the Chippewa Creek

Map shows land reserved for the fort, barracks and stores at the entrance of the Chippewa Creek and the Niagara River. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3767.

• [1819] The Straits of Niagara Engraved for Darby's Tour

Map shows the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario with places, streets, physical and hydrological features labeled.  Includes a cross section of the Niagara Escarpment from Queenston to Chippewa. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3151.

• [1819] The Military Reserve at Fort Erie

Maps shows the fort, buildings, lots, "American lines", "Boundary of military reserve", vegetation. Relief shown by landform drawings. Oriented with north to the top right. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22342.

• [1819] Plan of the Military reserve at Queenston [Sgd] A. Walpole Lt R.E. Niagara May 6th 1819 [Sgd] Henry Vavasour Capn Ryl Engineers

The plan depicts the Village of Queenston showing the reserve along the shore and west to the road that leads to St. David’s.  It shows streets (to Fort Erie & St. David’s), paths, buildings (some with owners identified), the Government Wharf, and relief.  It accompanied a report of Lt Col Durnford of 23 Apr 1819 concerning encroachments on the military reserves.   Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4349.

• [1826] Plan of Forts George, Mississaga, and Niagara, The Military Reserve and the Town of Newark

The map shows the town of Newark (now NOTL), military reserve, and part of Lewiston NY.  It illustrates the layout of the forts, other military buildings (i.e. Butler’s Barracks), roads and pathways, buildings, relief and vegetation.   Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 15014.

• [1827] A Survey of the ground with the differences of level to the extent of  1000 yards around a site on the eastern bank of the River Ouse distant 18 miles from its mouth proposed to be occupied by a large sized Redoubt for the protection of a Naval Depot. [Sgd] J. Walpole Lieut. R. Engineers 21 Augst 1827 Upper Canada. [Sgd] R1 Engineers Office Quebec 20th Novr 1827 E.W. Durnford Col Comg R1 Engineers Canada.

The map shows a portion of the River Ouse (Grand River) and surrounding land.  The redoubt is sketched in the proposed position, and the site of two naval stores is noted.  Spot heights and marshy ground areas are indicated. There is a note regarding cultivation in the area. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 11321.

• [1827] Plan No. 1. Part of Shorthills

Map shows farms, roads, relief features and outline of proposed fortress. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22143.

• [1827] Plan No. 3. Part of Shorthills

Map shows detailed relief features of part of the Short Hills depicted by hachures and spot heights with proposed fortress locations. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22145.

• [1827] No 8 Sketch of the Isthmus or Belt of Niagara Shewing the situation of the New Fortress [Sgd] R.H. Bonnycastle Capt R.E. R1 Engrs Office Quebec

The sketch is of the Niagara Peninsula.  It depicts the site for a new military establishment near ‘Short Hills’ on top of the escarpment in Pelham Twp.  It shows townships, roads, the Welland Canal, creeks, the escarpment, and includes some notes on features.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21588.

• [1829] Plan of the Cut at Mouth of River Welland By Geo. Keefer Jnr Asst Engineer. St. Catharines 4th March 1829.

The map portrays the mouth of the Welland River at Chippawa and the surrounding lands.  The Old Battery, Old Fort, Stone House, Jas. Cummings Esq. house, and military ground are indicated.  The bridge (current and previous), roads, and cut are drawn. It includes a cross section of the canal (Welland River).  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 5236.

• [1833] Plan of Towns of Niagara and Newark and Adjacent Military Reserves

Map "...shows streets and buildings near Fort George and along the shore; boundary of the military reserves, and areas released for public or private use; Diagara Dock Co. land, hospital and military buildings shown and note 'occupied by a detachment of the 66th Regt.'" (from Winearls, Mapping Upper Canada 1780-1876). Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 22539.

• [1835] Sketch of the mouth of the Grand River with Soundings on Lake Erie.

The map shows a portion of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Grand River.  It shows naval reserves and the location of fortification. Water depths and sailing obstacles (i.e. the location of rocks and sandy bottoms) are noted.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21688.

• [1835] Sketch of the Military Reserve at Niagara Shewing the mode in which it is proposed to let the Ordnance premises now occupied by the establishment. (signed) Guss. Nicolls Colonel Commandg Royal Engineer Canada Royal Engineers Office Quebec 14th Decr 1835 T.G.W. Eaststaff Draugn

The map shows the town of Niagara (NOTL), military buildings and forts, and all reserves (i.e. the Mississauga reserve).  Land grants (i.e. church), Niagara Harbour and Dock Co., J. Crook’s former lots, and the land to be leased south of Fort George are noted.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 14283.

• [1838] Sketch of Drummondville Shewing in red the Houses etc. hired for the Accommodation of Troops. Sd W.H. Roberts Lieut R.E. Royal Engineer Office Toronto U.C. Copied Rd Birley Tem. Clk. 22nd Augt 1838

The map shows the village of Drummondville (now Niagara Falls) with its roads and buildings depicted.  The references indicate building owners & uses and how it can be used by the military (i.e. hospital, accommodation of men and horses, etc).  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3790.

• [1843] Niagara Plan of the Military Reserves...required by the Commissioner of Crown Lands

The map of the village of Niagara (NOTL) shows the land that was required by the trustees of the Niagara District School (at the corner of the barrack ground next to the proposed cricket ground). The lots wanted in exchange by the Ordnance were near Fort Mississauga. The ruins of Fort George, Fort Mississauga, other military buildings, and land grants are shown. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 43151.

• [1850] Niagara Sketch of the Military Reserves

The sketch depicts the town of Niagara (now NOTL), Niagara and Stamford twps. The land required for defense purposes as part of the military reserve, and the one-chain width of land at the top of the bank that can be surrendered to the provincial gov’t is shaded. The suspension bridge (near the Whirlpool) and the proposed suspension bridge (at Queenston) are drawn. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3010.

• [1851] No. 13 Fort Erie, Plan of the Military Reserve

The map shows lots and concessions for part of Bertie Township and the Military Reserve. Niagara River, Squaw Island, and the shoreline of Buffalo are drawn.  The location of Waterloo (Fort Erie) and Black Rock (Buffalo), forts, mill, and the Erie Canal are indicated. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3811.

• [1851] No. 16 Queenston, Plan of the Military Reserve

The map shows the village of Queenston with roads, buildings (some identified by owner or by military use), the Erie-Ontario Railway, and ruins. The location of Brock’s death and monument are noted.  The proposed land grant for the Queenston Suspension Bridge Co. is shaded. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4351.

• [1851] No. 17 Niagara, Plan of the Military Reserve

The map shows the village of Niagara (NOTL). The ruins of Old Fort George, the layout of (the new) Fort George, Fort Mississauga, and the Old Guard house are depicted.  Several land grants to individuals and religious organizations are noted.  Shaded areas show the land given to the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company by Act of Parliament. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4212.

• [1851] No. 18 Short Hills, Plan of the Ordnance Property

The plan shows the extent of property purchased in 1827 as a site for a fortress.  It depicts buildings and identifies the owners of the surrounding farms.  Soil types and land clearances are noted.  Land not cleared is shaded.  Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 3584.

• [1852] A sketch of the Military Reserve about Navy Hall

Map shows the land petitioned for by the Mayor and Corporation of the Town of Niagara (NOTL), streets, lot numbers, landowners' names and select buildings including Navy Hall, Butlers Barracks, hospital and Fort George. Map source: Library and Archives Canada, NMC 4216.