A mere march
Re-enactors marched off the battlefield on the weekend of July 14 to 15. The Battle of Crysler’s Farm re-enactment brought history to life for hundreds of spectators. The participants, dressed in wool coats, fought for close to an hour in 30 C heat on both days. The dedication was inspiring and audiences exclaimed with each shot from the canons and bayonets. Sawyer Helmer photo
The British and loyalist soldiers, using sound military tactics of the time, marched head on into the battle. Their red coats, a warning to the enemy on their land. Sawyer Helmer photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
MORRISBURG – The Friends of the Crysler’s Farm battlefield and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission held their biannual Battle of Crysler’s Farm War of 1812 re-enactment over the weekend of July 14 and 15.
Fighting alongside the British during the Battle of Crysler’s Farm were Mohawk warriors. With their help, the Americans were pushed back and forced to surrender. Sawyer Helmer photo
Each day featured a full schedule of activities to enjoy like the exploration of the military camps, merchants and artisans, historical displays, demonstrations and of course the re-enactment.
The children’s muster, just before the Battle of Crysler’s Farm re-enactment, taught the young soldiers drill, marching and battle preparation. Sawyer Helmer photo
Before the official re-enactment got underway, 40 children were invited to the field to dress in traditional uniforms, learn drill and marching, see canon demonstrations and prepare for battle.
American soldier re-enactors fired and reloaded their weapons as fast as they could but it wasn’t enough to win the battle. Sawyer Helmer photo
Throughout the re-enactments, audiences were reminded that volunteers and re-enactors are always needed. Those truly dedicated to the craft often spend their summer weekends travelling across North America to participate in events. The dedication did not go unnoticed as the audiences watched the soldiers, dressed in multiple layers under a wool coat and surrounded by the smoke of firing guns, perform in 30 C temperatures.
The heat of the weekend created a much different atmosphere to the actual battle held on Nov. 11, 1813. Nevertheless the crashes of gun and canon fire rung out over the field for 45 minutes before the American soldiers were pushed back and forced to retreat. While the re-enactment is a fun and family friendly way to learn of local history, announcers reminded the audience to remember and be thankful to the men who laid down their lives in service.
As the battle ended and the re-enactors marched off the field, the hundreds of audience members applauded their efforts in thanks for such an interesting show.
