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BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS Bicentennial Commemoration and Re-enactment October 12-14, 2012 Lewiston, New York & Queenston, Ontario
The 23rd placed it's largest contengent ever on the field ...
Food was magnificent; the people of Lewiston out did themselves in both scope and size. Three huge meals a day and all the coffee one could drink. They also graciously drove us to and from activities and the field. Our hats off to the wonderful people of Lewiston. We are now officially spoiled. Other events will have a hard time living up to this weekend.
Friday: Consisted of drill for the regiment and then we volunteered to act as traffic control for the president's parade. The 23rd blocked Sixth and Seventh Streets in Lewiston. That night members. attended the shelling of Canada. Live fire of a battery of 24-pounders was accompanied by fireworks timed to the cannonade. It was quite a sight ... music was played through the bombardment, ending in The 1812 Overture! We also had the pleasure of meeting Mark Woodward, the town historian of Clarence, NY; who may invite us to his festivities for the burning of Buffalo.
Saturday: The 23rd formed to Third Company, Second Battalion of regulars and we participated in the first attack to drive off the British on the heights and then take the guns. We barly missed being showered by real explosives! Later we participated in the defense of the heights. We took four casualties (simulated … hey, we were order to die, OK) and we played our part well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Both Queenston, Ontario, and Lewiston, New York, will have encampments for re-enactors, artillery units, sutlers, merchants, and artisans. Numerous activities will be taking place including educational days on both sides of the border on Friday, October 12, 2012, followed by an evening cannon bombardment of Canada from the U.S. shore. Re-enactors will have the opportunity to march from Fort George to Queenston Heights on Saturday, October 13, followed by a re-enactment of the major phases of the Battle of Queenston Heights. On Sunday, October 14, a Funeral Procession and Commemoration of Major General Sir Isaac Brock will take place at Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Any American military units that are interested in setting up camp early on the U.S. side will be paid a bounty. Free cross border transportation will be provided for the re-enactment in Queenston on Saturday. Contact us to get important event updates. Throughout the day at Queenston Heights there will be tours of the battlefield, military demonstrations, music and period merchants. Starting at 3:00 p.m. there will be a re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights featuring the major battle phases including the death of Major General Isaac Brock, the Native skirmishes and the successful attack by Roger Hale Sheaffe. This will be followed by a ceremony at the base of Brock's Monument which will commemorate those who fought and fell during the War of 1812. At dusk, Brock's body will be taken away on a wagon, followed by a fireworks display. Food services will be available for the public. Parking and shuttle bus services are being arranged.
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