The "Colored Corps" 1812-1815

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted August, 2004

Plaque Location

The Region of Niagara
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
On the walkway circling the Brock Monument
off the Niagara Parkway just south of Queenston

Coordinates: N 43 09.613 W 79 03.168

Plaque Text

When the War of 1812 began, people of African descent in the Niagara peninsular feared an American invasion. They were anxious to preserve their freedom and prove their loyalty to Britain. Many joined the militia; others offered to raise their own militia company. Authorities responded by forming a "Colored Corps" of about thirty men commanded by white officers. Based in the Niagara region throughout the war, it fought at Queenston Heights in October 1812 and at the siege of Fort George in May 1813. The corps was disbanded soon after the peace, but had nonetheless set a precedent. Black units were a feature of the Canadian military until the First World War.

Related Ontario plaques
The Battle of Queenston Heights
Fort George

More
Information

More
War of 1812

More
Black History

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted March 24, 2012
Re: question of March 18: My guess is that, beginning with World War I, units were integrated, and there were no more segregated Black units.

Posted March 18, 2012
what does it mean by until world war 1?

Posted February 28, 2010
you should explain more of what it is, not just what it says on the Plaque...but good job.. very organized ^_^

Posted March 17, 2009
i like this because it help me with my hw

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as the comment is posted, a link to it will appear on the home page in the section "Here are the 10 latest plaque pages with a new comment added by a visitor to this site."