#canadianhistory

[whencyclopedia]

Battle of Queenston Heights

The Battle of Queenston Heights (13 October 1812) was a major battle in the War of 1812. A US army, under General Stephen Van Rensselaer, crossed the Niagara River in an attempted invasion of Canada but was repulsed by a British, Canadian, and Mohawk force. The British victory came at the cost of General Isaac Brock, killed in the fighting.

Death of General Brock at Queenston Heights

John David Kelly (Public Domain)

Background: Fall of Detroit

In late June 1812, shortly after the United States had issued its declaration of war against the United Kingdom, the US began preparing for an invasion of British-controlled Canada. Ostensibly, the purpose of the invasion was to deprive Britain of a staging ground from where they could launch their own attack into US territory. But many of the 'War Hawks' – as the prowar faction in Congress was called – envisaged a more permanent outcome, believing that the invasion would result in Canada finally joining the Union. The annexation of Canada would greatly increase the United States' dominion over North America and would, in the words of one war-hungry congressman, "drive the British from our continent" (Berton, 98).

The invasion was to be four-pronged. Brigadier General William Hull, sitting with his 2,500-man army at Fort Detroit, would lead the first thrust, crossing over the Detroit River into Upper Canada (modern-day Southern Ontario). He would be followed by Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who would cross the Niagara River to capture Queenston, and by Major General Henry Dearborn, who would sail up Lake Champlain to capture Montreal, while a fourth US army crossed the St. Lawrence River to wreak havoc in Ontario. Most Americans believed it would be an easy campaign, that the Canadians, oppressed by the tyranny of British rule, would welcome their southern brethren with open arms. As former President Thomas Jefferson predicted, the invasion was expected to be nothing more than "a mere matter of marching" (Wood, 677).

But of course, it would not be so easy. General Hull began his invasion on 12 July, crossing over the Detroit River and establishing a base of operations at the small town of Sandwich, where he issued a proclamation calling on all Canadians to either join him or remain neutral. But Hull soon lost his nerve; deathly afraid of Native Americans, he was disturbed by reports of more Indigenous nations joining the British side and, moreover, feared that the arrival of enemy reinforcements could cut him off from US territory. On 8 August, after nearly a month of dithering on Canadian soil, he retreated to Detroit, where he was soon besieged by an Anglo-Indian force under Major General Isaac Brock and the great Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh. Brock and Tecumseh utilized psychological warfare to convince Hull that their army was larger than it really was, leading the American general to surrender both his army and Detroit without a fight on 16 August. The Siege of Detroit not only thwarted the first part of the US invasion but also left the British in control of the entire Michigan Territory.

Hull was widely castigated for his defeat – indeed, he would later be court-martialed and sentenced to death, before the sentence was commuted to dismissal from the army. But he had at least set foot on Canadian territory, which was more than can be said about his counterparts. General Van Rensselaer had tried, but he did not have the necessary supplies or reinforcements to mount a successful crossing; what militia forces he did have refused to cross the Niagara, arguing that they were merely a defensive force and were not obliged to fight outside the United States. General Dearborn, likewise, was stuck at Albany, New York, unable to fill the enlistment quotas needed for an attack. "We have as yet a shadow of a regular force," his second-in-command would write, "inferior, even in numbers, to half of what the enemy already has in the field" (Taylor, 182). Dearborn was therefore relieved when, on 9 August, a British major arrived at his camp to offer an armistice. Dearborn readily accepted before passing along news of the armistice to President James Madison for his approval and instructing Van Rensselaer, his subordinate, to do nothing that might provoke the British. The invasion had, therefore, completely failed, leaving the US in a worse position as the armistice settled over the Niagara frontier.

Continue reading...

[harmonyhealinghub]

Happy Canada Day – July 1st: A Time for Celebration and Reflection Shaina Tranquilino July 1, 2024

Canada Day, celebrated every July 1st, marks the anniversary of the Confederation when Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1867. This day is often filled with festivities, fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays as Canadians come together to celebrate their nation.

Yet, amidst the jubilations, it is crucial to remember that Canada’s history is complex and multifaceted. This land we celebrate on Canada Day is also the ancestral and unceded territory of Indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. As we don our red and white attire and wave our flags, we must also take time to honour and acknowledge this truth.

Celebrating Canada’s Achievements

Canada has much to be proud of. From breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty to multicultural cities and a reputation for politeness and peace, Canada stands out on the global stage. Our contributions to science, technology, art, and humanitarian efforts are commendable. Canadians have a rich heritage of resilience and innovation, and Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and the diverse fabric that makes up our nation.

Acknowledging Indigenous Land

However, alongside these celebrations, we must recognize that Canada’s history is deeply intertwined with the histories of Indigenous peoples. Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous communities had established thriving societies with their own cultures, languages, and governance structures. The process of colonization led to the displacement, suffering, and marginalization of these communities.

Acknowledging that we are on stolen Indigenous land is a vital step towards reconciliation. It means recognizing the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and understanding that the lands we live on were not given up willingly. It is about honouring treaties and commitments that have been made—and too often broken—and working towards meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Doing Better as a Country

As we celebrate Canada Day, it is also a time to reflect on how we can do better. This includes:

Educating Ourselves and Others: Learn about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This knowledge can foster greater understanding and respect.

Supporting Indigenous Communities: Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the disparities faced by Indigenous peoples. Support Indigenous businesses, artists, and organizations.

Acknowledging Land Rights: Understand and respect the concept of Indigenous land rights and the significance of land acknowledgments. These acknowledgments should be more than just words; they should be accompanied by action and commitment.

Promoting Reconciliation: Engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. These recommendations provide a roadmap for repairing relationships and creating a more equitable society.

A Day of Unity and Reflection

Canada Day is not just a day for celebration but also a day for reflection. It is an opportunity to come together as a nation, acknowledging both our triumphs and our responsibilities. By recognizing the full scope of our history and committing to a path of reconciliation, we can honour the true spirit of Canada—a spirit of inclusion, respect, and unity.

So, as we celebrate Canada Day this year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the land we are on, honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for it long before us, and commit to actions that foster understanding and justice. Only then can we truly celebrate the beauty and promise of Canada.

Happy Canada Day! Let's celebrate and reflect together.

[tmarshconnors]

Happy Canada Day 2024!

Happy Canada Day, everyone! 🎉🍁

Today, on July 1st, 2024, we come together from coast to coast to celebrate the 157th anniversary of the Confederation of our beautiful nation. Canada Day is a time to reflect on our rich history, diverse culture, and shared values that make our country unique.

A Glimpse Into Our Past

Canada’s journey from its early days as a collection of British colonies to its current status as a vibrant, independent nation is a story of resilience, unity, and progress. This day marks the enactment of the British North America Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867), which united the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single Dominion within the British Empire. Since then, we’ve expanded, welcomed new provinces and territories, and grown into a multicultural mosaic.

Celebrating Our Diversity

One of Canada’s greatest strengths is its diversity. From the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who were the original stewards of this land, to the waves of immigrants who have enriched our cultural tapestry, Canada thrives on its inclusive spirit. Today, we honor the contributions of all Canadians—past and present—who have built and continue to build this nation.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this Canada Day, we also look ahead to the future. Our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, the fight against climate change, and the pursuit of social justice are at the forefront of our national agenda. Let’s take this opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to these important causes and work together towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Join the Celebration

From fireworks and concerts to parades and picnics, there are countless ways to celebrate Canada Day. Whether you're attending a local event, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, let's share our pride and joy for this great nation.

Don't forget to show your Canadian spirit! Wear your red and white, wave your flags, and share your festivities with the world using the hashtag #CanadaDay2024.

A Message of Unity and Hope

Canada Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a reminder of the values that unite us: peace, diversity, respect, and community. As we celebrate today, let’s also remember those who have come before us and those who will follow. Together, we can build a Canada that remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.

Happy Canada Day, everyone! Here's to a bright and prosperous future! 🍁🇨🇦

[pasthistoricalevents]

September 22nd in History: Significant Events That Shaped Our World #yts...

[chwiirleader]

#indigenoushistory #canadianhistory #genocide

These policies were created deliberately to erase us from history and remove our claim to our territories. The church, state and private interests worked together, sometimes coordinated sometimes independently, towards the goal of eliminating our religions, culture and identity to push us into subservient roles to white people now living on our territories.

Here we see a few more quotes showing how the bias of believing your world view is somehing you can enforce in others leads to mass suffering and death. If youre so sure youre right about something, the ends can be used to justify the most unforgiveable of means.

This particular brand of arrogance reminds me of the Muslim version of Satan/Iblis. In this version his ego refuses to give up his position as most beloved by god when Adam is created. This is what causes the fall. He was so devoted to being gods best servant, and couldnt accept change that he became an instrument of suffering and damnation. Arrogance personified, much like the belief that only the white man was civilized enough to be “burdened” by having to civilize everyone else while plundering our civilizations for profit and land while their diseases had us weakened.

[friendsafforestation]

Botanical Wonders: The Enigma of Alaskan Harebells

🌿 Exploring Botanical Insights 🌍

Did you know that understanding plant distributions involves more than just naming? It's about mapping out where species thrive and how they vary across regions. Here's a fascinating tidbit:

In the world of botanical taxonomy, a political jurisdiction can be colored in if just one locality hosts a specific plant. This method helps when data is unevenly detailed, with some areas rich in herbarium specimens and others sparse.

Take the Campanula genus, for example. Recently, the Alaskan Harebells, scientifically known as Campanula alaskana.  Harebells in the Saskatoon area are no longer considered Complex Campanula rotundifolia and are now considered to be Alaskan Harebelles.  These harebells have caught our attention here in Saskatoon. These delicate blooms show intriguing differences from region to region, as noted by Mary Kreiger, a local botanist.

Unlike mammals, where species ranges are more straightforward, plants benefit greatly from platforms like iNaturalist. By harnessing the power of citizen science, we can contribute countless data points that enhance detailed range maps. Just like the American red squirrel's taxon range map on iNaturalist (check it out: https://inaturalist.ca/observations/54942912#activity_identification_a09efc16-e12a-4939-aaa6-d7928ea3b4c5), these efforts provide invaluable insights into plant biodiversity.

Join us in celebrating the collective effort of citizen scientists and researchers who enrich our understanding of flora worldwide. Together, we're painting a clearer picture of our natural world, one plant species at a time. 🌿💚  Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

#BotanicalTaxonomy #PlantBiodiversity #CitizenScience #iNaturalist #ExploreNature

Join us as we discover our rich and diverse history through #HistoricPlacesDays. Get creative with a selfie or photo and post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #HistoricPlacesDays before July 17 for a chance to win $500! Enter the contest today. www.historicplacesdays.ca/contests @nationaltrustca

Learn more today. www.historicplacesdays.ca @nationaltrustca #RichardStBarbeBakerPark #SaskatoonHistory #NatureConservation #ExploreSaskatoon #RichardStBarbeBaker #AfforestationArea @ParksCanada @ParksCanada @Parks.Canada #ParksCanada #HistoricPlaces #EveryPlaceAStory #CanadianHistory #CdnHeritage #CdnHistory #CelebrateHistory @nationaltrustca National Trust for Canada / Fiducie nationale du Canada @nationaltrustca / @fiducienatca National Trust for Canada #RichardStBarbeBakerPark friendsafforestation@gmail.com https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/ http://www.friendsareas.ca/

[propicsmedia]

The Complex Journey of Japanese Canadians #Japanese #Japan #Canada #Canadian #History #JapaneseCanadian #War #Internment #Internmentcamps #isolation #unjust #Racist #Racial #Hiroshima #PearlHarbour #Wartime #illegal #Internmentcamp #politics #political #race #racial #systemicracism #Systemicfailure #japanesefamilies #strugles #business #unjusttreatment #CanadianHistory #darkhistory #Crime #justice #reconciliation #wars #fighting #wartimesact #canadianpolicy #systemicfailure #learn #education #educate #fairness #compassion #mistreatment #abuses #Humanrights

[travelingfevah]

Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Canada #travelcanada #travel

Discover the top 10 best places in Canada to visit, from stunning national parks to vibrant cities. Whether you're a nature lover or city explorer, Canada has something for everyone! Embark on a journey to discover Canada's top 10 best places! Explore the majestic beauty of Banff National Park, the vibrant culture of Toronto, and the historic charm of Quebec City. Experience the coastal wonders of Vancouver and the pristine wilderness of Jasper National Park. From bustling cities to serene natural wonders, Canada offers something for every traveler

Thanks for watching, don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated when we're putting out new content for you. You can download your FREE Guide: "The Budget Traveler's Handbook" and get cheap flights, cheap hotels, cheap destinations, cheap car rentals, cheap traveler insurance at: https://TravelingFevah.com

 #CanadaTravel #ExploreCanada #CanadianAdventures #TravelCanada #CanadaVacation #VisitCanada #CanadianCulture #CanadianHistory #CanadianLandmarks #CanadianCities #CanadianCuisine #CanadianWildlife #CanadianNature #CanadianArchitecture #CanadaTrip #CanadaTourism #CanadianBeauty #CanadianExploration #CanadianWonders #ExploreCanadaEH

[whencyclopedia]

Battle of Lundy's Lane

The Battle of Lundy's Lane (25 July 1814) was one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812. Fought near the location of present-day Niagara Falls, it saw a US army under Jacob Brown clash with a British force under Gordon Drummond. Although the battle was inconclusive, it rendered the Americans incapable of continuing their invasion of Canada.

Battle of Lundy's Lane

Alonzo Chappel (Public Domain)

Background: The Americans Invade Niagara

On 3 July 1814, the United States launched its final largescale invasion of British Canada. Led by Major General Jacob Brown, an army of 3,600 US soldiers, state militiamen, and Seneca warriors crossed the Niagara River to assault Fort Erie, a British stronghold located on the Niagara Peninsula. The British garrison, outnumbered and taken by surprise, quickly surrendered, giving the Americans control of the fort. The next day, one of Brown's subordinates, Brigadier General Winfield Scott, led his brigade north in an attempt to push back the forward elements of the Right Division of the British Army, which had been left to defend the peninsula. The British had a little less than 2,000 men – 1,350 regulars, 350 Native American warriors, and 200 Canadian militiamen – but their commander, Major General Phineas Riall, believed that his men would make up in training and discipline what they lacked in numbers. Therefore, instead of pulling back in the face of Scott's advance, Riall dug in at Chippawa Creek, guarding the one bridge over the creek.

On 5 July, the Americans and British clashed at the Battle of Chippawa. Initially, the fortunes of battle swung in favor of the British. Advancing through the woods, the scarlet-coated regulars managed to scatter the American pickets and push back the undisciplined state militiamen without much of an issue. But then, they came face to face with General Scott's brigade of gray-clad US regulars. For the past several months, Scott had been tirelessly drilling his troops at their camp outside Buffalo, New York; these drills would last anywhere between seven and ten hours a day, with inspections and parade marches taking place weekly. As a result, Scott's soldiers were much more disciplined than the half-trained US troops the British had been used to fighting in earlier battles. The British officers watched with bewilderment as Scott's men loaded their muskets and fired in unison, unwavering under fire. Upon realizing that these were regulars, Riall marched his own best troops out to face them. For 20 minutes, the American and British regulars stood their ground, exchanging deadly volleys, until at last the redcoats broke and fled.

A few days after the battle, Riall withdrew north along the Niagara River, eventually making his way to Fort George on Lake Ontario. This frustrated Brown, who lacked the manpower and heavy artillery necessary to take the fort. Instead of pursuing, Brown moved his army to Queenston, a settlement seven miles (11 km) south of Fort George and the site of the first attempted American invasion of Niagara two years earlier. Here, Brown decided to wait for assistance from Commodore Isaac Chauncey, who commanded the US fleet on Lake Ontario; his hope was that Chauncey could ferry supplies and reinforcements to the army at Queenston, and perhaps even aid in the eventual attack on Fort George. But Chauncey, prickly as he was, had no intention to play second fiddle. In the commodore's view, the US ships on Lake Ontario had become subservient to the needs of the army and were being used only as glorified transport vessels, which he felt injured the honor of the navy. This was mostly a problem of Chauncey's own making; he could sail out and challenge the British ships on the lake to a battle anytime he wanted but preferred instead to procrastinate in Sackets Harbor, wasting more time and money building unnecessary ships.

Continue reading...

[harmonyhealinghub]

Silent Sacrifice: The Story of an Indigenous Canadian Soldier Shaina Tranquilino November 8, 2024

John Standing Elk was a proud Anishinaabe warrior from a small, windswept reserve on the shores of Lake Superior. As a young man, he listened intently to the stories of his ancestors, tales woven with resilience and hope. When war swept across Europe, John, like many Indigenous men across Canada, felt the pull of duty—not just to defend the land he loved but to uphold the warrior spirit ingrained in his people. He enlisted, despite the whispers from the elders warning him of broken promises and mistreatment that came too easily from those who ruled the nation. In 1942, John found himself across the ocean, surrounded by mud, smoke, and the sharp scent of gunpowder. He stood shoulder to shoulder with men from all corners of Canada, his long black braid a testament to who he was and the people he fought for. The camaraderie was real; in the trenches, they were all brothers, sharing rations and hopes of seeing home again. John’s keen eyes and quiet determination earned him respect, and his comrades soon realized he could read the land and weather with an uncanny precision that saved their lives more than once.

But when the battles subsided and medals were pinned on chests, the chasm of inequality became stark. John, with a chest full of ribbons and a soldier’s battered heart, returned to Canada expecting, perhaps naively, a sense of belonging and gratitude. Instead, he was met with barriers. While non-Indigenous soldiers were given plots of land or assistance to rebuild their lives, John was told he couldn’t claim land on the reserve because it was held in trust by the government. He faced indifference when he tried to secure a job; too often, potential employers saw only the colour of his skin and not the bravery he had shown.

Veteran support services often turned him away or provided minimal help. He’d hear, “This isn’t for you,” as if the uniform he had worn was a borrowed costume rather than the fabric of his sacrifice. The pain stung sharper than any wound he had sustained in battle. His fellow Indigenous veterans faced similar struggles, trying to reintegrate into a society that pushed them to the margins despite their shared sacrifice.

Yet, in the face of rejection, John did what his ancestors had done: he persevered. With a resolve that mirrored the steady drumbeat of his community’s ceremonies, he told stories to the youth on the reserve. He spoke not only of the war but of what it meant to stand up, to defend, even when the reward was little more than pride. The stories became lessons; they reminded the next generation that their worth was not tied to the recognition of others but to the spirit they carried.

John’s struggle was shared by thousands of Indigenous soldiers who faced discrimination both before and after their service. Their courage had helped shape Canada’s history, yet their sacrifice was met too often with silence and forgotten promises.

Despite this, John harbored no resentment. In his heart, there was still love for the land and its people. He knew that in the eyes of his children and grandchildren, he was a hero. And in time, the country would begin to see it too. His life, though marked by hardship, inspired change. Movements grew, voices rose, and stories like his began to be acknowledged.

Today, Canada stands with a more honest understanding of its past, recognizing the brave service of Indigenous soldiers like John. And while wounds from those years linger, there is a collective gratitude that echoes through ceremonies, monuments, and moments of remembrance. It is gratitude for those who fought despite the odds, who proved that even in a flawed system, courage and honour could shine brighter than prejudice.

John Standing Elk’s memory, along with those of many other Indigenous warriors, lives on—not only as a reminder of the past but as a beacon of resilience for the future.

[tmarshconnors]

Happy Canada Day 2023!!

Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day, is the national day of Canada.

[informationvine]

The Canadian Penny: A Brief History and Collectible Currency https://bit.ly/45MQkim

#canadianpenny #canadiancoin #canadiancurrency #pennycoin #centcoin #numismatics #collectiblecoins #canadiancollectibles #coincollecting #rarecoins #canadianhistory #pennydesigns #canadianpennyvalue #numismaticcollectibles #coppercoin #smallcents #canadianmint #obsoletecurrency #pennycollector #canadianpennyhistory #numismaticcommunity #coinenthusiasts #numismaticinvesting #coinappreciation #coinage #currencycollecting

[reddfoxsparkles]

Today is a day to remember the injustice and sadness in our history. The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday created to honour Canada's residential school survivors, their families and communities and to publicly commemorate the impact and trauma endured by Indigenous people in Canadian residential schools. 🧡🧡🧡 #orangeshirtday #orangeshirtday2021 #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters #indigenous #canada #reconciliation #orangeshirt #residentialschools #indigenouslivesmatter #residentialschool #residentialschoolsurvivors #firstnations #canadianhistory #truthandreconciliation #children #orange #metis #healing #native #september #callstoaction #awasisboutique #truth #mmiw #orangeshirtkid #nativeamerican #treaty #dene #cree (at Canada) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIp1e_MzhY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[husheduphistory]

No Laughing Matter: The Clowns and the Turmoil that Changed Toronto

In the summer of 1855 the city of Toronto was a far cry from the bustling capital city that it is today. Much closer to resembling the Wild West, the city was filled to the brim with bars, liquor shops, and brothels catering to the rotating population of approximately 40,000 people. Mary Ann Armstrong ran one of Toronto’s many “clubs” on the corner of King and Jarvis Streets and the combination bar and brothel was always busy, especially when new faces were passing through town. The sights, sounds, and stories that originated there are incalculable, but on one July night Armstrong’s establishment was the setup for an incident that sounds like a joke but was unfortunately very real with a horrible punchline. “A clown and a fireman walk into a bar…”

On the morning of July 12th 1855 a large group of travelers made their way into Toronto, but these visitors were a little more unusual than the normal passers-by, this was the S.B. Howes' Star Troupe Menagerie & Circus. S.B. Howe was one of the first circus companies to bring their act on tour traveling to one city and taking up residency for a few days before packing up their tents and disappearing from the scene. The circus was only supposed to be in town for two days and after their first performance a group of clowns decided to take in the town, eventually ending up at Mary Ann Armstrong’s building.

Illustration of King Street in Toronto circa 1855. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

The image might sound funny, a group of clowns walking into a rowdy, tough, and intimidating brothel and bar, but these clowns were not to be messed with. Their jobs went far beyond entertaining and included the physical labor of building, breaking down, packing up, and moving their entire community to each city on the tour. They were strong, bold, and did not back down from a fight, which was a recipe for disaster considering the other people visiting Armstrong’s that night.

Advertisement for the circus. Image via torontodreamsproject.blogspot.com/com/. 

At this point in time fire departments were not formally established and individual companies formed privately and functioned for profit, racing to fires and charging a price before putting them out. It was not uncommon for rival fire companies to clash in the streets, sometimes requiring local law enforcement to intervene. Only two weeks before the circus came to town one local company, the Hook and Ladder Firefighting Company, was involved in a violent street brawl with another fire company that became known as the Fireman’s Riot. They were an aggressive group, and tonight they were visiting Armstrong’s establishment at the same time as the clowns.

There has never been a singular cause identified for what happened next. One account says that the clowns cut the line to get into the building. Another says one of the firemen named Fraser knocked a hat off the head of a clown named Meyers and refused to pick it up when asked. Others simply say it was a case of someone getting loud with someone else who did not take kindly to their tone. The result was an all-out brawl and by the time the police arrived the firemen were all beaten to a bloody pulp with two of them requiring medical attention at a hospital. The band of clowns simply went back out into the night to continue partying.

The situation was bad enough as is, but the political climate of the area made the conflict cut deeper. Much of Toronto’s population was made up of Irish Catholics but the city government was deeply Irish Protestant and Tory elite, supported by the Orange Order, who were also firmly in the corner of the bloodied Hook and Ladder Firefighting Company. As far as the fire department was concerned the clowns had just declared war.

When the S.B. Howes' Star Troupe Menagerie & Circus came into town they pitched their tents along the waterfront at the site of Fair Green, near the St. Lawrence Market. On the day after the brothel brawl, Friday the 13th, the merchants in the market were few and far between, there was word that something bad was brewing. Slowly they began to arrive to the circus grounds, a large mob of Orangemen of the Orange Order, and before long the rocks began to fly. The circus performers were able to hold back the assault for a short amount of time but when the fire department arrived it was not to help the entertainers, it was to destroy them. The members of the Hook and Ladder Firefighting Company arrived carrying pikes, pipes, and axes. They tore apart the circus tents, beat anyone in their paths, set fires, and knocked over wagons with a bloodthirsty ferocity. Police Chief Samuel Sherwood, a former tavern owner with no formal training, arrived and brought in a handful of constables throughout the day but never put a focused effort into quelling the violence. How could he? He was a part of the Orange Order himself and when later questioned about the level of power he had in his position as Chief his answer was “A very small one indeed…I give orders and instructions to the force, but cannot get them obeyed. As soon as I am out of sight, the men do as they please.” When the Mayor arrived at the scene he took matters into his own hands, wrestling an ax from a fireman who was about to murder one of the clowns and calling in a militia to finally put a stop to the violence. The clowns and other performers took what was left of their belongings and fled the city as quickly as possible.

Painting of Toronto showing the site of Fair Green. Image via http://torontodreamsproject.blogspot.com/ 

The aftermath of the riot was unfortunately familiar. When the Fireman’s Riot happened only weeks beforehand the memories of the police department and the firemen involved were suddenly and inexplicably fuzzy and they could not recall a single member of the Orange Order that was on the scene. One constable said it was too dark out to see any faces and another even said that the entire ordeal was carefully planned so that only people unfamiliar to the police would be involved. The exact same scenario played out again after the attack on the circus clowns and suddenly no one who advanced on the tents could recall anything that happened. Out of the entire mob only seventeen people were ever arrested and when they went to court every single person who attacked the circus that day was acquitted.

Article about the investigation of the Toronto Circus Riot. Image via torontoist.com.

The official word on what happened may have been hazy but the public saw the corruption very clearly and while they could not create change overnight, the Toronto Clown Riot proved to be a fatal blow to the too-long accepted state of things. After the riot it became much more common to question the conveniently selective memories of the police force that was given absolute power with no form of training. The formerly iron-clad coverups for the actions of the fire departments corroded and began to lose strength. The voices against the Orange Order got louder and louder.

One of the biggest indicators that the public had had enough came with the next election when for the first time in twenty years a mayor was elected that was backed by the Irish Catholics despite the hardest efforts of the Orange Order to prevent it. Reform and organization was needed and in 1858 the first provincially approved board put a restructuring of the new city government and police force into motion. In February of 1859 the entire police force was fired (roughly half that were not part of the Toronto Clown Riot were reinstated), a new chief was brought on board, and finally Toronto had a police force that was out of private hands, nonpolitical, and under close watch by the newly established city government.

The fates of many of the S.B. Howes' Star Troupe Menagerie & Circus clowns are greatly unknown and the clown named Meyers has faded into time. Little could he or any of the clowns imagined on that July night that getting into a fist fight with a gang of firemen in a brothel would lay the foundation for the establishment of Toronto’s first formal police department.

*****************************************************************************

Sources:

“Hidden History: The Toronto Circus Riot” by Lenny Flank. August 20th 2019

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/8/20/1870769/-Hidden-History-The-Toronto-Circus-Riot 

“The Toronto Circus Riot of 1855 — the day the clowns picked the wrong Toronto brothel” by Adam Bunch. October 2nd 2012.

http://spacing.ca/toronto/2012/10/02/the-toronto-circus-riot-of-1855-the-day-the-clowns-picked-the-wrong-toronto-brothel/

“How a Fight With Clowns Led to the Birth of Modern Policing in Toronto “ by Patrick Metzger. September 12th 2013.

https://torontoist.com/2013/09/how-a-fight-with-clowns-led-to-the-birth-of-modern-policing-in-toronto/ 

“Infamous Clown Brawl in Brothel Gets Entire Toronto Police Force Fired “ by Sean Kernan. November 29th 2021. 

https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/infamous-clown-fight-in-brothel-gets-entire-toronto-police-force-fired-ceca014addc6

“Clowns fighting firemen in Canada in 1855.” opposite-lock.com/topic/22965/clowns-fighting-firemen-in-canada-in-1855

“The Toronto Circus Riot of 1855 “ http://torontodreamsproject.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-circus-riot.html 

[friendsafforestation]

🏛️ Celebrate Historic Places Days with us! 🌳

Join National Trust for Canada and Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas as we commemorate #HistoricPlacesDays. This year, delve into the rich tapestry of Saskatoon's natural heritage at the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

🦋 Did you know? Among the many wonders here, you can spot the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) and Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies. While both share vibrant orange hues, the Viceroy sports a distinctive black line across its hindwings, setting it apart from the Monarch.

🌿 Immerse yourself in the biodiversity of these serene woodlands, where history and nature converge. Capture your experience with a photo or share your memories to enter our Historic Places Days contest!

Explore, learn, and appreciate the natural treasures in our midst. Visit us from July 10-17 and celebrate #HistoricPlacesDays with Saskatoon's own Afforestation Area.

#NatureLovers #SaskatoonHeritage #ButterflySpotting #ExploreNature

#HistoricPlacesDays launches July 10, 2024, and runs for one week! Join us as we discover the history, culture and story of all these amazing historic sites. Save the date to visit and explore the history around you. www.historicplacesdays.ca @nationaltrustca

Learn more today. www.historicplacesdays.ca @nationaltrustca #SaskatoonHistory #NatureConservation #ExploreSaskatoon #RichardStBarbeBaker #AfforestationArea @ParksCanada @ParksCanada @Parks.Canada #ParksCanada #HistoricPlaces #EveryPlaceAStory #CanadianHistory #CdnHeritage #CdnHistory #CelebrateHistory @nationaltrustca National Trust for Canada / Fiducie nationale du Canada @nationaltrustca / @fiducienatca National Trust for Canada #RichardStBarbeBakerPark friendsafforestation@gmail.com https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/ http://www.friendsareas.ca/

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