HISTORY

August 1 - September 19, 1814
Siege of Fort Erie

After withdrawing from the battle at Lundy's Lane, the Americans moved to Ft. Erie. A number of officers wanted to continue the retreat to the US side of the river, but Gen. Brown stubbornly demanded that the fort be held. On August 2nd the British army began building trenches to the north of the fort, and constructing batteries in front at points from which an effectual fire might be poured upon the American works.

The British continued their objective of cutting of the American's by first taking Buffalo and destroying the remaining American naval forces on Lake Erie. As that tactic progressed, Drummond opened artillery fire on Ft. Erie.

Gen. Gaines arrived at Ft. Erie on August 5th and began probing British defenses the very next day to try to break the siege. The attacks were turned back and the next day the siege began in earnest with the British bombarding the fort until the 14th. Parts of the 9th, 11th, and 25th Regiments (the remnants of Scott's veteran brigade) were posted on the right, under the command of Lt. Col. Aspinwall. Gen. Ripley's brigade, consisted of the 21st and 23rd, were posted on the left, with Gen. Porter's militia in between.