Canada's Most Famous Heroine
In 1813, when American forces occupied Niagara, American Captain Cyrenius Chapin planned to march 600 men to capture enemy British soldiers and advance further into Canada. Upon overhearing of the impending attack, Laura Secord walked 32 kilometers to warn British soldiers stationed at Decew House.
It was because of Secord’s bravery that British forces, along with hundreds of Haudenosaunee and Caughnawaga warriors, defeated the Americans and took more than 500 prisoners and two field cannons. This victory prevented the American forces from coming any further into Canada.
Her contribution to the war was little known during her lifetime, until 1860 when she was awarded for her service by Edward, Prince of Wales, on his visit to Canada. Since her death in 1868, she has been frequently honoured in Canada.
Her tale has been the subject and inspiration of many books, plays, and poetry. Though Laura Secord had no relation to it, most Canadians associate her with the Laura Secord Chocolates company, named after her on the centennial of her walk.
The historic Laura Secord Homestead stands in the charming village of Queenston, just off the scenic Niagara Parkway. This enchanting heritage site was the home of Canada’s most famous heroine, Laura Secord, from 1803 to 1835. It was the starting point of her perilous 32 km journey, and where she raised her 7 children, Mary, Charlotte, Harriet, Hannah, Laura, Appolonia, and Charles.