Crysler's Farm Battlefield Memorial Building
When the Crysler's Farm monument was moved to Upper Canada Village during the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, the Ontario-St. Lawrence Development Commission constructed a building at the base of the new mound to interpret the history of the battle. The Battlefield Memorial Building (BMB) is also referred to as the Battle of Crysler's Farm Visitor Centre. The BMB and Upper Canada Village both lie within the Crysler's Farm Battlefield Park, a 2,000 acre provincial park designed by landscape architect Anthony Adamson.
The BMB is a rectangular limestone structure that backs into the mound, flanked by two courts; one to the east and one to the west, each of which have a grand tree at their centre. At the north side of the building, the courts are connected by a long terrace with several benches for visitors to sit and enjoy the park.
Battlefield Memorial Building. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
The BMB as it appears today is very different from the original structure suggested by Adamson. In the mid-1950s, the plan was to just build a viewing area into the mound, but the Commission soon decided to construct an actual building. Adamson was in favour of a river-side structure located south of the monument, but there were concerns that the mound would obstruct it from view of the tourists. So, it was decided that it would sit at the northern base of the mound.
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The Commission hired Elken & Becksted, an architectural firm, to design an appropriate structure. Their first plan was for a large circular building. Visitors entering an outer hallway through several openings would be funelled through one entrance into an inner room, which featured a "tomb of the unknown soldier" in its centre, haloed by the glow of a large skylight. A mural would be situated opposite from the entry, while life-sized model soldiers would stand in alcoves along the walls. Staircases along the outer perimeter of the building would lead visitors to the top of the building.
This structure was nicknamed the "Mouse Trap." There was some push-back against the design, which was seen as too modern by some, including the Commission's Vice President, Dr. John Carroll.
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The "Mouse Trap," designed by Elken & Becksted. Upper Canada Village Archive.
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Eventually, Adamson suggested a more subtle plan for a building that was "not apparently a building at all, but a series of simple walls of re-used stone containing terraces, garden courts and roofed areas." The re-used limestone was sourced from the areas flooded by the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project.
Adamson's plan for the BMB, 20 Sep 1960. Upper Canada Village Archive.
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This plan would turn into the BMB as we recognize it today. Some of the original features were carried over from Elken & Becksted's design, including the mural and life-sized soldiers. But other notable parts, including the circular shape and "tomb of the unknown soldier" were scrapped completely.
The Commission accepted this revised design by 1960 and construction began shortly after. The project would cost around $59,000. |
The Park, including the BMB and Upper Canada Village, was opened on 24 June 1961. Ontario Premier Leslie M. Frost led the ceremony, the beginning of which took place on the front terrace of the BMB.
It was a grand event with thousands in attendance. Several military units participated in the ceremony, including the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) (formerly the 49th Regiment of Foot), the Fort Henry Guard, and the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Guard. There were also representatives of the Royal Canadian Navy (including the H. M. C. S. Lauzon), the Royal Irish Fusiliers (formerly the 89th Regiment of Foot), the Voltigeurs of Quebec, the SDG Highlanders, the Brockville Rifles, 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
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Inside the building, a large mural by Canadian artist Adam Sherriff Scott, flanked by replica flags from the 49th and 89th Regiments of Foot, immediately drew the eye of visitors. Life-sized mannequins, four each on the east and west sides of the room, depicted various players in the battle. There were also maps, war claims, and other items on display. Throughout the 1960s, the building was staffed by members of the Fort Henry Guard.
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Crysler's Farm Monument and Battlefield Memorial Building, c. 1970s. Upper Canada Village Archive.
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Little has changed in the overall structure of the BMB in the six decades since its opening. There have, however, been some changes to the displays inside the building. In 1965, the BMB debuted a son-et-lumiere (sound and light) presentation, showcasing state-of-the-art technology that combined a taped script synchronized with lights to portray the Battle of Crysler's Farm. This was carried out by Eric Handbury and Legendrama Productions of Toronto, and it was the first interior application of this technology in all of Canada. It is unclear if this was present for 1965 only, or if it reoccurred year after year.
A bronze statue of Lt. Col. Joseph Morrison, leader of the British forces during the battle, was unveiled inside the BMB on 15 May 1978. Completed by sculptor Ralph McKern Sketch of British Columbia, it was made at one third scale (about three feet high) and was set on a stone base.
Sculptor Ralph Sketch (left) and St. Lawrence Parks Commission Chairman Clarke Rollins (right) with the Morrison statue. Iroquois Post, 17 May 1978.
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Bronze sculpture of Lt. Col. Joseph Morrison, made by Ralph Sketch. Iroquois Post, 17 May 1978.
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The BMB was temporarily closed during the summers of 1986 and 1987 to complete work in the building. The re-opening was held on 18 June 1988 during that year's re-enactment weekend, where new exhibits and an audio-visual presentation were unveiled.
The 1990s saw drastic cuts to provincial government spending. St. Lawrence Parks Commission implimented a $1 admission fee in 1992 in an attempt to increase their profits, but it was unsuccessful, and after a major financial restructuring in 1993, the BMB was closed to the public. There was a strong public reaction from some members of the local community, with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 48 (Morrisburg) passing a resolution to protest the closure. Despite this effort, the building remained closed.
By the late 1990s, a small but dedicated group of volunteers were urging the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to open the BMB, citing its historical importance to both the local community and Canada as a whole. After much time and effort, they achieved their goal in the summer of 1999.
12 June 1999 marked two important events: the re-opening of the BMB, and the launch of Field of Glory: The Battle of Crysler's Farm, 1813, a new book by Canadian military historian Donald E. Graves. Field of Glory was the first in-depth book-length exploration of the battle. Uniformed re-enactors from the Canadian Fencibles, Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles, and Royal Navy performed at the event, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
The volunteers who aided in the re-opening officially joined together in 2000 to create the Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield. That summer, on 18 June, they co-hosted a Military Heritage Day with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission near the monument and BMB, which saw visitors come from as far as California. Re-enactors performed and visitors could try on reproduction uniforms provided by the Canadian War Museum. Large-scale annual re-enactment weekend began in 2001.
Jul 2023. Photo by Ashley Harper.
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In 2005, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission placed a plaque near the entrance of the BMB, recognising the important role that the Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield played in promoting the building and the memory of the battle. It reads:
"The St. Lawrence Parks Commission gratefully acknowledges the outstanding contribution of the Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield to the preservation and promotion of the nationally significant military engagement fought on November 11, 1813 in a muddy farmer's field beside the St. Lawrence River. The Battle of Crysler's Farm marked the end of the most serious American attempt to conquer Canada during the War of 1812.
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With the help of the Friends, the Battlefield Memorial Building was re-opened in 1999. A dedicated group of volunteers, the Friends have created renewed interest in the battle and its presentation to the Canadian people. It is thanks to their vision and successful fundraising efforts that the building is staffed, maintained, and open to the public during the main tourism season.
Since 2000, the Friends have been instrumental in sponsoring the yearly Military Re-enactment Weekend which has become Eastern Ontario's foremost living history event, and which attracts hundreds of re-enactors and thousands of visitors to the site.
The group's aim is to continue its partnership with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission toward a common goal of rejuvenating the Battlefield Memorial Building, the Memorial mound and the surrounding grounds.
This plaque was presented to the Friends on November 11, 2005 in recognition of their untiring commitment to raise awareness of the Battle of Crsyler's Farm and the vital role it played in the history of Canada."
In 2006, the BMB was given a major upgrade. The changes included an interpretive plan, a model of the battlefield, maps with fibre-optic interactivity, new lighting, and a new audio-visual show. These improvements were developed by Global Exhibit Technology, Inc. The new interactive battlefield diorama was unveiled on 17 May 2007.
Following the completion of the new Discovery Centre at Upper Canada Village in 2011, the Morrison statue was relocated there. Shortly after, the BMB was improved once more. Funded in part by grants from the federal government, including the 1812 Commemoration Fund, the eight life-sized mannequins in the BMB were redone, and new interpretive panels and new exhibits were added.
Since then, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield have continued to work together to promote the history of the Battle of Crysler's Farm and make the BMB accessible to the public. The BMB is staffed by employees of Upper Canada Village during the months of July and August.
British Court of Honour
At the east end of the building, there is the British Court of Honour, which pays tribute to the British Military and their involvement in the battle. The British Court was opened in 1961 by Sir Gerald Templer, Colonel of the Royal Irish Fusiliers and the former Chief of the Imperial General Staff (professional head of the British Army). During the official opening, two plaques were dedicated in this court: one to Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Morrison, and one to the various British units involved in the battle, including the 49th and 89th Regiments of Foot, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Artillery. A British oak tree stands proudly in the centre of the court.
British Court of Honour at the Crysler's Farm Battle Memorial Building, Jul 2023. Photo by Ashley Harper.
Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Inscription:
IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THE BRILLIANT SERVICE AND GALLANT CONDUCT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH W. MORRISON OF THE 89TH REGIMENT OF FOOT OFFICER COMMANDING THE VICTORIOUS BRITISH AND CANADIAN FORCES AT CRYSLER'S FARM NOVEMBER 11, 1813 |
Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Inscription:
TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF MORE THAN EIGHT HUNDRED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE ROYAL NAVY THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY THE 49TH REGIMENT OF FOOT NOW DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S ROYAL REGIMENT THE 89TH REGIMENT OF FOOT NOW THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS WHO DECISIVELY DEFEATED A GREATLY SUPERIOR FORCE OF THE ENEMY AT CRYSLER'S FARM NOVEMBER 11, 1813 |
Canadian Court of Honour
At the west end of the building is the Canadian Court of Honour, which commemorates the efforts of all Canadians who took part in the Battle of Crysler's Farm, including local militia and native allies. In 1961, the Canadian Court was opened by Douglas Harkness, the National Minister of Defence. Two plaques were dedicated during the opening ceremony: one to the militia units from Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Leeds, and Grenville and the native soldiers, and one to the militias, natives, artillery, Fencibles, and Voltigeurs. A Canadian maple tree is located at the centre of the court.
Canadian Court of Honour at the Crysler's Farm Battle Memorial Building, Jul 2023. Photo by Ashley Harper.
Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Incription:
TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF MORE THEN TWO HUNDRED CANADIAN OFFICERS AND MEN - DETACHMENTS FROM THE FOLLOWING UNITS: - CANADIAN FENCIBLE REGIMENT (BRITISH ARMY) MILITIA ARTILLERY PROVINCIAL CORPS OF LIGHT INFANTRY (CANADIAN VOLTIGEURS) 1ST REGIMENT STORMONT MILITIA 2ND REGIMENT GRENVILLE MILITIA 1ST REGIMENT LEEDS MILITIA INDIAN DEPARTMENT - UPPER CANADA WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE VICTORIOUS ACTIONS AT CRYSLER'S FARM NOVEMBER 11, 1813 |
Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Inscription:
TO COMMEMORATE THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE UPPER CANADA MILITIA WHO FOUGHT BRAVELY IN DEFENCE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE FRONTRIER 1812-1814 UNITS 1ST REGIMENT OF GLENGARRY MILITIA 2ND REGIMENT OF GLENGARRY MILITIA 1ST REGIMENT OF STORMONT MILITIA 1ST REGIMENT OF DUNDAS MILITIA 1ST REGIMENT OF GRENVILLE MILITIA 2ND REGIMENT OF GRENVILLE MILITIA 1ST REGIMENT OF LEEDS MILITIA 2ND REGIMENT OF LEEDS MILITIA INDIAN DEPARTMENT - UPPER CANADA ENGAGEMENTS SALMON RIVER, 23RD NOV. 1812: 19TH AND 20TH FEB. 1814 OGDENSBURG, 22ND FEB. 1813: 4TH OCT. 1812 HOOPLE'S CREEK. 10TH NOV. 1813 CRYSLER'S FARM, 11TH NOV. 1813 TOUSSAINT'S ISLAND, 16TH SEPT. 1812 PRESCOTT, 4TH OCT. 1812 BROCKVILLE, 7TH FEB. 1812 GANANOQUE, 21ST SEPT. 1812 |
Inside the Battlefield Memorial Building
Battlefield Memorial Building Front Hall. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Battlefield Memorial Building Front Hall. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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The BMB includes various exhibits that provide information about the battle and the context in which it was fought. Many of the building's original features still remain, including a large mural by Canadian artist Adam Sherriff Scott (1887-1980) and dioramas of two scenes from the battle that use eight life-size mannequins of Canadian, British, American, and native participants. There are also features that have been added over the last sixty years, such as audio-visual presentations and a diorama of the battlefield with interactive lights that show the progression of the battle.
Battlefield Memorial Building Theatre. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Battlefield Memorial Building Theatre. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Mural
This mural was painted by Canadian artist Adam Sherriff Scott between 1960 and 1961. It was on display in time for the building's opening in June 1961. Below the mural are the words "Climax of the Action at Crysler's Farm. 4.30 p.m. Thursday Nov. 11. 1813."
Mural depicting the Battle of Crysler's Farm. Painted by Adam Sherriff Scott, c. 1960-1961. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
Close-up of Mural by Adam Sherriff Scott. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Close-up of Mural by Adam Sherriff Scott. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Dioramas
These dioramas include eight life-sized mannequins depicting two scenes from the Battle of Crysler's Farm: the morning of the battle, and 3:00 pm (about half-way through the battle). Both scenes were installed prior to the opening of the building in 1961. They were redone in 2012 with the help of funding provided by the federal government.
Scene 1: Morning of the Battle
Scene 1: Morning of the Battle. Created c. 1961 and located at the Battlefield Memorial Building. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Story: A Royal Artillery Gunner has stopped to get a drink from a Canadian Fencible Regiment Drummer. Both had advanced from the garrison at Prescott shadowing the American invasion force and may have known each other (the interaction is not documented but adds some drama). In the meantime, Lt. John Sewell of the 49th Regiment is toasting a piece of pork for breakfast (true event). Also warming himself by the fire is Captain William Mulcaster, who has come ashore to meet and coordinate with British Army staff (fiction).
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1.1 Royal Artillery Gunner
The Gunner wears the 1813 dress of the Royal Artillery and his job in the battle was to operate an artillery piece. His only weapon is his Royal Artillery Gunner’s sword. Early in the war, the RA turned in their muskets and bayonets, so they could be issued to the militia and were instead armed with swords. The wearing of grey trousers was standard in the winter months for Canada since the 1790s. The dark blue of his coat has been the standard colour of the Royal Artillery since the early 18th century and was selected because the black powder filth from working an artillery piece did not show as much on that colour. On his head he wears the new Belgic shako which arrived for the Royal Artillery in early 1813. He is not wearing a foul weather cover because there was a shortage. As a gunner he was a glorified workhorse, dragging the gun into position and loading the piece in battle. The more complicated jobs of aims, measuring fuses, etc., were left to the bombardiers, non-commissioned, and commissioned officers. While more educated, Royal Artillerymen tended to get into trouble more often likely due to the greater freedom they had in the fulfillment of their Ordnance duties.
1.2 Canadian Fencible Drummer
This character is a young drummer of a Battalion company of the Canadian Fencible Regiment. A detachment of two companies of this regiment from the garrison at Prescott served at the battle. The average age of the regiment’s drummers was sixteen and their duties included: a. Duty beating (the alarm and day planner of the regiment); b. Musical entertainment; and c. Administers of punishment (the lash). For example, just prior to the detachment departing Prescott, two Canadian Fencibles had been whipped severely for stealing peas. The Regiment is noted as charging the American artillery during the battle and suffering one of the highest casualty rates on the field that day. The Drummer wears a yellow coat in the tradition of "reversed facings" were the coat is the colour of the cuffs and collars of the private’s coats. The decorative lace has been reproduced from an original sample in the Canadian War Museum. His drum displays the same badge that was borne on the colours of the regiment (original colours, also in the Canadian War Museum). The red and white shako tuft and the colouring of his coat’s shoulder wings show him to be a member of a Battalion of centre company of the regiment. His only defence was his drummer’s pattern sword, with a shortened blade, because of the shorter height of young drummers. In 2012, this regiment received the highest infantry unit distinction possible, a battle honour, for their service at Crysler’s Farm. Today the regiment is perpetuated by the Royal 22e Regiment because the Fencible Infantry was embodied in Lower Canada (Quebec) and over half of the corps was made up of francophones.
1.3 Lieutenant John “Jack” Sewell of the 49th Regiment of Foot
Lt. Sewell famously was cooking a piece for pork just before his company commander ordered: "Jack, drop cooking, the enemy is advancing!" Sewell wears the undress frock of a 49th officer. This can be identified by the button twist on his bluish green cuffs and lapels, as opposed to richly embroidered square loops of gold. Three undress coats have survived from this regiment and were used in making this reproduction. Over his shoulders is a greatcoat, worn by most of the ranks of the regiment because of the damaged state of their dress clothing from months of hard campaigning in the Niagara peninsula. He uses his 1796 pattern infantry officer’s sword to cook his piece of pork. This would have been quite damaging to the temper of the blade. Interestingly enough he began his army career in 1811 as an ensign in the 89th Regiment (the other British Regiment present) before transferring to the 49th Regiment. Twenty-two year old Sewell had served at Frenchman’s Creek in 1812, then Fort George, Stoney Creek, and the numerous skirmishes around Niagara-on-the-Lake. When he retired from the Army in 1829 he returned to Canada and settled in Quebec City. During the Rebellion of 1837 he commanded the Quebec Light Infantry. He passed away in 1875. His role at Crysler’s Farm was to march on the left front row of the company and when his company commander was hit (stationed on the right), he took over command.
1.4 Captain William Howe Mulcaster
In charge of the gunboat fleet from Kingston and Prescott, Mulcaster had the local rank of Captain. Like Sewell, his dress reflects both his rank, the time of year and the condition of the service. He wear the undress frock of a naval officer. This design is based on an original from the National Maritime Museum in the UK. He also sports navy blue winter trousers and Hessian style officer boots. This look is was quite popular with naval officers at the time and is illustrated in a number of Navy officer portraits. A simple chapeau bras (a soft hat which can be folded and carried under the arm) completes the look. His sword is the 1805 pattern for the Royal Navy at this time with its appropriate sword knot, and he wears the more convenient black leather sling waistbelt. This rank is evident by the two gold epaulets on his shoulders.
Scene 2: Left of the Line, approximately 3:00pm
Scene 2: Left of the Line, approximately 3:00pm. Created c. 1961 and located at the Battlefield Memorial Building. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Story: The 89th Regiment has just broken the American flanking attempt and, in the chaos, a Mohawk of the Six Nations has captured a private of the 14th Regiment of US Infantry. The prisoner has taken a musket butt to the head during his capture. Skirmishing with the Mohawk is a French Canadian Voltigeur. He has caught the attention of an Irish Sergeant of the 89th Regiment of Foot and is in the process of turning him over to the Sergeant’s charge.
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2.1 Sergeant of the 89th Regiment of Foot, Battalion Company
The facial features of this figure are Irish, reflecting the ethnic makeup of this regiment. His coat is red faced black and is decorated with pointed loops of white lace in pairs. One of the marks of a Sergeant was the wearing of white lace. The quality of the red wool used in the coat was also superior to that of the men. Other marks of his rank are the three chevrons on his sleeve (introduced in 1800 as a rank distinction), his sash with one stripe of the facing colour through the middle, and the long pike he carries. When a Sergeant was stationed in the rear of the company he could use it to push the rear into a tighter formation so the hearing of the front rank would not be harmed by discharges of the rear rank muskets. The pike was also used in punishments: it was set up with other pikes to form a tripod to which a soldier was then tied when he received the lash. Lastly the sergeant carries a simplified version of the 1796 pattern infantry sword. His red and white plume and having chevrons on one arm mark him as a member of a Battalion company. Today the British Army’s Royal Irish Regiment carries on the history and heritage of the 89th Regiment of Foot.
2.2 Canadian Voltigeur
The Canadian Voltigeurs were from the garrison at Prescott and were heavily engaged in the woods during the battle. The technique of skirmishing was the "fire and retire" technique borrowed from the natives and a staple of bush fighting since the beginning of the 18th century. Voltigeurs were trained by their regimental commander, Charles-Michel de Salaberry, to fire in many positions, including lying down. He wears the unique uniform of his unit. The use of dark grey was due to experiments on colour as camouflage by the British Army. It had been found when comparing red, green and grey that grey was the hardest to hit. The silver barked trees of the area, illustrated in the backdrop, only enhanced this advantage. The unique fusilier-like bearskin is based on the only sketch of it from the time period. His face is smudged with black powder from tearing open black powder cartridges with his teeth during the battle. He does not have his knapsack because it was typically ditched before battle in North America. He still carries his haversack with cooked rations and canteen issued out of Commissariat stores at Prescott. Today the Canadian Voltigeurs are perpetuated by the Canadian Army’s Primary Reserve Regiment, Les Voltigeurs de Quebec. This regiment was awarded the battle honour "Crysler’s Farm" in 2012 for the service of its historical predecessor.
2.3 Private of the 14th Regiment of US Infantry (American)
Recruited in Maryland, the 14th Infantry had not had a good year in 1813. After suffering defeat at Stoney Creek, most of the regiment was captured at Beaver Dams after Laura Secord’s famous trek through the woods. The detachment at Crysler’s Farm had avoided the Beaver Dams disaster, having been stationed at Sacket’s Harbour. They would redeem themselves somewhat in 1814 at the Battle of Cook’s Mills in the Niagara peninsula. The uniform of the 14th Infantry was brown or drab coats faced red and drab or grey trousers. This clothing had been issued to the regiment in the winter of 1812-1813 and would not have been in the greatest of shape by the Battle of Crysler’s Farm. On the ground is his long-lasting but uncomfortable model 1813 leather shako. His accoutrements and musket have been stripped from him (indicated by his unbuttoned shoulder straps), showing he is a prisoner. Today the regiment is perpetuated by the 4th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army.
2.4 Mohawk Warrior
From the Six Nations reserve of Tyendinaga just west of Kingston, 30 Mohawks and Mississaugas fought at the battle. The figure head has actually been cast from a Mohawk of the Six Nations with a strong traditional blood line. During the casting we asked the subject to assume a facial expression as if he were contemplating striking the captive again if he tried to escape. Black and red face paint has been utilized, typical colours for warriors in this time period. His musket is a trade musket pattern provided to native allies by the British Indian Department. He also sports a tomahawk. During this time, the war club was no longer a practical weapon in warfare, and the tomahawk had almost universally replaced it. Surviving war clubs from this time period were likely only for ceremonial or dance use. Historic battle accounts only reference the use of tomahawks and illustrates the increased availability of manufactured goods, particularly from England. His clothing is based on watercolours of natives from the time and is light for mobility and range of movement. Blankets, capots, and other heavy garments were often stashed away before battle. He also wears a selection of trade silver popular with native warriors. All the garments and native equipment displayed were manufactured by Mohawks of the Six Nations.
Battlefield Diorama and Map of Battles
The battlefield diorama and the map of the various surrounding battles was installed in 2006 and unveiled on 17 May 2007. It includes interactive buttons that allow visitors to follow the progression of the battle on the field using red and blue lights to show the movements of the British and American fighters, respectively. There are also buttons that light up the map, helping visitors to visualize where some of the other significant battles took place in this region.
Battlefield Diorama and Map at the Battlefield Memorial Building. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
Battlefield Diorama looking eastward. To the left is John Crysler's Farm. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Battlefield Diorama looking westward. In the centre is Peter Fetterly's Farm. Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaque
This plaque, located on the west wall of the theatre next to the Scene 1 showcase, was unveiled by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1921.
Originally, the plaque misidentified Captain Naire as John Nairne (instead of Thomas) and Lieutenant Claus as William Claus (instead of Daniel). Helen Morrison McMillan wrote to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in October 1934 to notify them of the Nairne error. In August 1935, the bronze plaque was removed and sent away to be amended. It was reinstalled in 1935 or 1936.
In 1959, after the monument had been moved to the Crysler's Farm Battlefield Park, the spelling of "Crysler" was corrected, as the plaque had previously used the spelling "Chrysler".
Photo by Ashley Harper, Jul 2023.
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Inscription:
ERECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BATTLEFIELD OF CRYSLER'S FARM PRO PATRIA IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN THOMAS NAIRNE AND LIEUTENANT DANIEL CLAUS OF THE 49TH REGIMENT, LIEUTENANT CHARLES DE LORIMIER OF THE CANADIAN FENCIBLES REGIMENT AND THE NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 49TH, 89TH, AND CANADIAN FENCIBLE REGIMENTS AND THE CANADIAN VOLTIGEURS KILLED IN ACTION. HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS BOARD OF CANADA |
Note: A smaller plaque has been added to the original plaque with the following inscription: "THIS HISTOIC SITES AND MONUMENTS BOARD OF CANADA PLAQUE IS THE PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND IS ON LOAN. PARKS CANADA."
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