The Harpers Ferry Rifle

The primary weapon for soldiers during the War of 1812 was the musket but some elite units were issued rifles. In the U.S. Army, the Harpers Ferry Model 1803 rifle was the most prominent for their rifle regiments. Before the war, the US produced 4,000 rifles at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. It was a sturdy, short-barreled, heavy caliber weapon. It weighed about nine pounds, was 49 inches long, and was a .54 caliber weapon.

Rifles had grooves machined down the barrel in order to spin the ball and produce greater accuracy. A skilled marksman could hit a target at 200-300 yards or farther. The rifle had better accuracy then a musket, but it was more difficult and longer to load than a musket and it could be less reliable since the grooved barrel could produce more fouling. In addition, the rifle cost more money to make than a musket.

 

Harpers Ferry rifle

At the beginning of the war, the U.S. had only one rifle regiment in service and this increased to four regiments in 1814. Although riflemen never amounted to more than 10 percent of the regular army, they did play an important role in many engagements. Riflemen helped to establish beachheads at York and Fort George in 1813 and in 1814 they won a decisive victory against the British at Conjocta Creek, just to name a few.

If you want to find out more about riflemen, you can head to Old Fort Erie on February 1 for The Niagara 1814 Campaign Symposium where Doug Kohler will be talking about the American perspective of the campaign. The symposium will also include presentations by Donald and Dianne Graves, and Richard Hill. Click here for more information and to register. 

The Louis Roy printing press

The use of newspapers in Upper Canada before and during the War of 1812 was essential for keeping the population informed. Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe hired Louis Roy from Quebec to be the first King’s printer in Upper Canada.

The Roy Press

In 1792, the new lieutenant-governor arrived in Upper Canada and began to organize the government. He brought Louis Roy and his printing press with him and on April 18, 1793 Roy issued the first number of the Upper Canada Gazette in Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake), the provincial capital. Roy used the new printing press to distribute pamphlets, speeches, posters, regulations, and general local and international news to the people of the province.  

By 1798, the printing press was moved to the new provincial capital at York (Toronto). During the War of 1812, the press was in York during the American sack of the city in 1813. The press survived and continued to be used until it was replaced by new technology. Over the years, the press changed hands until it was sent to the Mackenzie Printery where it is currently on display.

On this long weekend, you can head to the Mackenzie Printery for their Simcoe Days event. You can learn more about the Louis Roy printing press that helped Simcoe shape the province of Upper Canada. Click here for more details.

Difficulties be damned

Formed in 1685 the King’s 8th Regiment of Foot saw much action in North America. The regiment fought during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, earning the battle honour “Niagara” for their service in the War of 1812.

Before the War of 1812, the regiment fought extensively in Europe before coming to North America in 1768. The King’s 8th performed garrison duty throughout British North America before the American Revolution. During the failed American attack on Quebec in 1775, the regiment fought to defend the area and was one of the first regiments to launch counterattacks into New York. After their service in the American Revolution was complete, the King’s 8th went back to Europe in 1785.

King's 8th Officer

By 1793 revolutionary France declared war on Great Britain and the King’s 8th were soon dispatched to the Netherlands  During the Napoleonic Wars, the regiment saw action in the Netherlands, Spain and Egypt, among other areas. In 1808 the regiment was moved to Canada, and with the outbreak of the War of 1812, they fought at Ogdensburg, Fort George, York, Sackets Harbor, Stoney Creek, Chippawa, Lundy’s Lane and the Siege of Fort Erie, just to name a few. Elements of the King’s 8th also participated in a treacherous winter march from New Brunswick to Quebec City, a distance of 350 miles.

After the War of 1812, the King’s served in a number of different locations before fighting in the Indian Rebellion and the Second Afghan War. Throughout the regiment’s hardships they could always look to their regimental motto, difficulties be damned, for inspiration.

With April fast approaching there are a number of events to mark on your calendar. Two events in particular are the War of 1812 School of the Soldier on April 13 and 14 at Fort George, and the Bicentennial Commemoration of the Battle of Fort York on April 27th. Don’t miss out on these great events!