Historic re-enactment between John Brant and General Sir Isaac Brock will take place at LaSalle Park Monday August 6th.

By Pepper Parr

BURLINGTON, ON  July 31, 2012  August is always a great month for Burlington and things to do.  Along with the traditional, this year there will be a series of events that tie into the War of 1812 festivities and what that historical event meant to Burlington.

While Joseph Brant gets most of the historical attention in this city – having a museum with your name on it will do that – this year Brant’s son, John will be featured because of his relationship with General Sir Isaac Brock and the Battle of Queenston Heights.

John Brant will meet with Sir Isaac at the Annual Brant Day event held at LaSalle Park, Monday, August 6th; 10 am to 5 pm, as part of a re-enactment

Brant had seven children – Burlington Streets are named after two sons and a daughter – John, James and Elizabeth Street.  John became almost as heavily involved in native affairs as his Father was.  Joseph Brant was not alive during the Wars of 1812 – he died in 1807.

Three men who played critical roles in the War of 1812 – especially the Queenton Height battle. John Brant, son of Joseph Brant and John Norton along with General Sir Isaac Brock were part of the early War of 1812 battles

His son John took part in the battle at Queenston Heights where Brock lost his life.  John Norton, a young man who,  while born British, became a Mohawk and was tutored and guided by Joseph Brant will also be a part of the re-enactments

John Brant survived the battle at Queenston Heights and went on to become the first native to be elected to the Ontario Legislature and played a large role in the development of the Grand River reserve that his Father first negotiated with the British government.

The day will be rich with history and pageantry and the Brant family will be front and centre – not always something that happens at LaSalle Park during their annual Brant Day events. Along with the re-enactments, there will be a military skirmish, native culture interpretation, traditional artisans and much more.

The day after, Tuesday, August 7th, from  10 am to 2 pm,  at the Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton, Brock will  meet with David Beasley – historian and descendant of Burlington Heights landowner.

The Hamilton Military Museum and Dundurn Castle’s main floor and basement will be open for FREE self-guided tours. Live music with Muddy York and talks by David Beasley will happen during the day. Let the kids dress-up and be part of military drills or enjoy tours of the grounds and garden. Come out for this free day of festivities!

Burlington Heights and what are called the Burlington Races are the significant events as far as Burlington’s involvement in the War of 1812 is concerned.  There is a spot on the Heights where one can stand and see past the Skyway and into Burlington where several warship battles took place that many believe the War of 1812 was won by the British.

The War of 1812 was the first war the Americans declared on anyone – and they lost that one.  Not something the Americans are all that keen to admit.

The Brock Walk is a government of Ontario tourism sponsored event that brings our history to a level we can easily understand.  Burlington’s geography  actually played a large and very significant role in that war.


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