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Siege of Detroit

Siege of Detroit
Part of War of 1812 and Tecumseh's War

The Surrender of Detroit, by J.C.H. Forster
DateAugust 15–16, 1812
(1 day)
Location
42°19′48″N 83°02′55″W / 42.3300°N 83.0487°W / 42.3300; -83.0487
Result British-Indian victory
Belligerents
 United Kingdom
Upper Canada
Tecumseh's Confederacy
 United States
Commanders and leaders
Isaac Brock
Tecumseh
William Hull Surrendered
Strength
330 regulars
400 militia
600 Natives
5 field guns
2 ships
2,500
1 brig
Casualties and losses
2 wounded 7 killed
2,493 captured
1 brig captured

The siege of Detroit took place from August 15–16, 1812, during the War of 1812 and Tecumseh's War. During the siege, Major General Isaac Brock and Shawnee leader Tecumseh along with his allies both led an attack on Fort Shelby in Detroit, Michigan Territory. Brock and Tecumseh defeated the American army and took control of the Fort and town of Detroit after U.S. Brigadier General William Hull surrendered.[1]

Brock and Tecumseh had an army of 330 regulars and 400 militia, along with 600 Natives, 5 field guns and 2 ships.[2] Hull had an army of 2,500 and 1 brig.[3]

The victory at Fort Shelby helped motivate Upper Canada during the war. Brock was viewed as a hero in Upper Canada and was knighted for the victory, while Tecumseh gained more influence over the confederation of Indians.[4][5]

A song titled "The Bold Canadian" was written by Cornelius Flummerfelt, a private in Third York Militia's First Flank Company in celebration of the capture.[6] A bronze statue of Brock and Tecumseh was erected in the Sandwich Towne neighborhood of Windsor, Ontario.[7]

References

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  1. "Capture of Detroit, War of 1812". Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  2. Brock, Isaac; Tupper, Ferdinand Brock (1847). The life and correspondence of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, K.B. London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co. OCLC 8327037.
  3. Hitsman, J. Mackay; Grave, Donald (1999). The incredible War of 1812 : a military history. Toronto: Robin Brass Studio. ISBN 9781896941134. OCLC 44270319.
  4. "Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock". Brock University. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  5. "Siege of Detroit". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  6. Hickey, Donald R. (2006). Don't give up the ship! : myths of the War of 1812. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 9780252031793. OCLC 64510280.
  7. "Tecumseh-Brock statue unveiled in Sandwich Towne". CBC News. Retrieved February 27, 2025.