Americans Capture Ft George

On May 27, 1813, the Americans attacked and captured the British Fort George on the Niagara River

The United States planned an assault on Fort George, a crucial British fort situated on the Niagara River opposite Fort Niagara. The Americans possessed a force of 4,000 troops. On May 25th, they commenced a bombardment of Fort George from Fort Niagara and other positions.

British commanders, including Brigadier General John Vincent, became aware of the impending American attack. They had only 1,000 troops at their disposal. However, they lacked information regarding the American assault’s direction. Vincent hypothesized that the Americans would land along the Niagara River, gaining support from Fort Niagara on the opposite shore.

Contrary to Vincent’s assumptions, American forces under the command of Colonel Winfield Scott opted to land on Lake Erie. In the early hours of May 27th, American forces arrived with four hundred troops at Newark. The British attempted to halt the American landing, putting up a valiant defense. Despite their efforts, the Americans successfully landed, and Vincent realized that he could no longer prevent the assault.

Vincent ordered the immediate demolition of Fort George and the withdrawal of his forces. However, American forces advanced with such rapidity that the Americans managed to extinguish the fuses before most of the fort could be destroyed.

An American force was tasked with intercepting the British retreat, with the objective of capturing the entire British force. Regrettably, the Americans’ troops were delayed in their deployment and were unable to effectively cut off the British forces. Consequently, the British escaped to engage in further combat. The American casualties were 41 killed and 113 wounded, while the British suffered 52 killed, 44 wounded, and 262 missing.