Sir Isaac Brock – Canada’s ‘Good Soldier’ Honoured 200 Years Later

A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper

He was “the good soldier.”

At least that is how I will always remember Major-General Sir Isaac Brock from a book by the same name that I received some 45 years ago as a Christmas gift from a couple of good old friends and neighbours. The book, which is still available (at least through the internet), was written by Donald J. Goodspeed who I later enjoyed as a history professor at a university in Niagara, Ontario named after that soldier.

This Saturday, October 13, 2012 will mark 200^th anniversary of one of the most storied battles of the War of 1812 at Queenston Heights on the Ontario side of the Canada/U.S. border. It was on that date that Brock was killed while leading British troops up the steep face of the Niagara Escarpment to push back an army of invading Americans entrenched on the Heights. The Niagara Parks Commission, the 127-year-old provincial agency responsible for protecting lands along the Niagara River, including Queenston Heights, will be hosting a re-enactment of the battle that ultimately drove the Americans back across the border under Major-General Roger H. Sheaffe, who took over command of the British troops and Native American allies after Brock was struck down.

This re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights and related events is all part of the continuing 200^th Anniversary War of 1812 Commemorations being observed in both counries over the next two years and is open to all of the public and Niagara At Large is pleased to post the following post from the Niagara Parks Commission with details on the event. That post is followed by one from the Royal Canadian Mint on the pressing of a coin in honour of Brock.

Battle of Queenston Heights 200^th Anniversary Tips for Visitors 

Queenston, ON – October 13, 2012 marks the 200^thanniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights. This pivotal battle in the War of 1812 is a moment every Canadian, whether a lifelong citizen or new to the country should be aware of and its significance is important and powerful in defining who we are as a country today. There is no better way to learn of the battle than attending this weekend’s event at Queenston Heights as the story is re-told through re-enactment, commemorative ceremonies and story tellers.

To assist event attendees, Niagara Parks offers these tips:

• A unique sight to watch for while traveling to Queenston Heights Park will be the mass army marching along the Niagara River Recreation Trail from Fort George to Queenston Heights. The march begins at 9 a.m. while the cannons blast from the Heights.
• The cost to park at Queenston Heights for the day will be $5.00. Alternately, Park & Ride locations have been set up and Niagara Parks will offer free parking and shuttles on the new WEGO buses. Parking lots are located at the overflow lot behind the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Laura Secord Homestead, McFarland House, Fort George National Historic Site and parkettes along the north end of the Parkway. The buses will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with pick-ups every 20 minutes at six stops along the north Parkway.
• A selection of tasty fall menu items will be available at General Brock’s Store located in the heart of Queenston Heights Park or alternatively, enjoy a lunch at the historic Queenston Heights Restaurant overlooking the Heights and Lower Niagara River.
• Historic merchants and Sutlers will be onsite offering their unique wares for sale.
• Dress for mid-October weather as whether rain or shine, the battle goes on.
• Limited seating will be available for the battle re-enactment, entertainment at the band shell and commemorative ceremonies. We encourage you to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• Don’t forget your camera.
• Two sets of fireworks will be visible from Queenston. On Friday, October 12^th, the Town of Lewiston, NY will present a display at 7 p.m. from the shores of the Niagara River and on Saturday, October 13^th the commemorative event at Queenston will end the day with a spectacular set of fireworks silhouetting the monument to General Isaac Brock at 7:15 p.m.

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

WAR OF 1812 HERO MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ISAAC BROCK COMMEMORATED ON ROYAL CANADIAN MINT 25-CENT CIRCULATION COIN

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, October 12, 2012 – On the eve of the 200^th anniversary of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock’s death on the battlefield at Queenston Heights, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today unveiled a new Royal Canadian Mint circulation coin honouring his memory as a hero of the War of 1812.  This is the first of four circulation coins which commemorate key historical figures who influenced the fight for Canada from 1812 to 1814.   

“Honouring the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 with this special circulation coin pays tribute to one of our greatest national heroes and a crucial moment on the road to Confederation,” said Minister Nicholson.  “Our Government encourages Canadians to take this unprecedented opportunity to learn more about our heroes and history and to take pride in our traditions by collecting this new circulation coin dedicated to War of 1812 hero Major-General Sir Isaac Brock”.

The War of 1812 paved the way for Confederation. It was the fight for Canada and a defining moment in our country’s history that saw British regular forces, English and French-speaking militia, First Nations and Métis[1] allies join together to defend our borders[2]. Without their courage and sacrifice, Canada as we know it would not exist. 

Major–General Brock died leading a charge against the Americans[3] during the Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812 and earned the title “the hero of Upper-Canada.”

 “The Royal Canadian Mint is committed to preserving memories of the people, places and events which tell the story of the Canadian experience and the remembrance of the heroes of the War of 1812 is a wonderful way to celebrate our proud values,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.  “The name of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock is synonymous with the heroic deeds of our forefathers who valiantly defended Canada 200 years ago and the Mint is delighted to have issued a 25-cent circulation coin in honour of this legendary hero of the War of 1812, for Canadians to collect and admire.” 

Limited to a mintage of 12.5 million coins, the Sir Isaac Brock 25-cent commemorative circulation coin begins circulating on October 13, 2012. The public is encouraged to look for it in their change or obtain it at face value on line at www.mint.ca/1812. 

The Mint has also released a number of exquisite precious metal collector coins to add to the celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.  On October 2, 2012, the Mint issued a $4 face value 99.99% pure silver coin featuring a portrait of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, set against an intricately engraved background consisting of the bilingual text “The War of 1812/La guerre de 1812.”  This coin is also emblazoned by the engraved and painted Government of Canada War of 1812 logo.  Limited to a mintage of only 10,000 examples world-wide, this coin retails for $49.95 CDN.

This product, and others, can be purchased from www.mint.ca; the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver; and through our network of distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. These products can also be ordered by directly contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada and 1-800-268-6468 in the US.

About the Royal Canadian Mint – The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca

Images of the Mint’s newest War of 1812 commemorative circulation coin are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca .