Hundreds gather in South Dundas for Battle of Crysler's Farm re-enactment

Battle of Crysler Farm re-enactment brought 1813 history to life in Morrisburg on July 12 and July 13.

Article content MORRISBURG — The smell of sulphur choked spectators as thick smoke blanketed the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Shouts echoed through the haze, accompanied by deafening bangs that rumbled like thunder. Then, emerging from the smoke, the redcoats approached.

Recommended Videos For visitors on July 11 and 12, the scene offered immediate immersion into another era. The weekend marked the 213th anniversary of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm, welcoming historical re-enactors and spectators from across Canada and the United States. The annual event commemorates one of the final battles fought on Canadian soil between two sovereign states.

“I think it’s good to know where we come from because the history of our nation was embodied within the War of 1812 conflict,” said Jim Mullen, a member of the Friends of Crysler’s Farm Battlefield planning committee. “It really solidified the fact that we were able to repel an American invasion force.” Mullen, who has been involved in historical re-enactment for nearly 30 years, said the event brings together independent units from across Ontario under an umbrella organization known as the Crown Forces.

While participants use historical standing orders to replicate the movements of 19th-century soldiers, Mullen emphasized that the community relies on modern safety protocols. “It’s a hobby. It’s not really a full-on organization,” Mullen said.

“But we let each independent unit kind of manage themselves ... we follow the rules and regulations of today, like using powder and safety.” While many participants come from eastern Ontario or western Quebec, the event has traditionally attracted history buffs from across the border.

Organizers noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer Americans have been making the pilgrimage to the St. Lawrence Valley, though those numbers are beginning to rebound. John Tricoli, a university student majoring in history education, drove from Michigan to portray a United States infantryman. “There was an announcement given that last year there were only three Americans at this event,” Tricoli said.

“So I wanted to come up ... and have a nice weekend in Canada.” Tricoli, who has participated in re-enactments before, noted that many of “the big ones” involving the War of 1812, are held north of the border, as most American historical societies focus on the American Revolutionary War or the U.S. Civil War. He commended the effort and attention to detail he’s become familiar with among Canadian historical societies.

Throughout the weekend, visitors at Crysler’s Farm took part in a variety of family activities. Re-enactors in full period dress hosted historical displays and demonstrations, using era-specific tools to showcase frontier surgery, blacksmithing, and early 19th-century cooking. “We just wanted to learn about the battle ...

I just love history and we came as a family to see it for once,” said Emery Robichaud. Robichaud said despite his partner growing up in SDG, they’d never been to the re-enactment before. “It was perfect.”