BETSY DOYLE MARKER DEDICATION

During the War of 1812, it was common practice to heat cannonballs to red hot in order to set fire to enemy buildings and encampments during a barrage. This was a dangerous practice as it could set off the canon prematurely. It was exactly this tactic that was in use in November of 1812 when Betsy Doyle hauled hot shot to the American forces trying to hold the British from crossing the Niagara river. Doyle joined the cannonade after her husband was captured by British forces, and was dubbed “the hero of Fort Niagara” for her fearless efforts. The Fort was eventually overrun in 1813, and Doyle fled 310 miles on foot with her family to escape the British. She continued to assist the military at the Cantonment near Albany, often without pay, until her death in 1819. In 2012, she was named a New York State Woman of Distinction for her bravery.

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS

JANUARY 8, 1815

VIDEO (above) FUNERAL OF HIRAM CRONK, the last surviving veteran of the War of 1812 who prior to his death in 1805 had lived in Ava, New York.

VIDEOS WAR OF 1812

'Flames Through Lewiston' 2012 Lewiston, New York. Filmed by Doreen Larson Cesari.

Imagine a street lined with flames and filled with chaos as dozens of Lewiston's citizens run barefoot through the night trying to escape attacks from British forces. On Saturday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., watch Lewiston's most important day in history commemorated as citizens run for their lives while American troops fight a losing battle against an overwhelming British force.

"Flames Through Lewiston" is free to the public and will take place on Center Street (from Fourth to Fifth streets). Dozens of re-enactors dressed in period clothing will march, fight and run through the street. Spectators will watch re-enactors of American and British troops, Lewiston citizens and Tuscarora and Mohawk Natives act out their part in this infamous attack. Ten large fires will blaze down the middle of the street, while civilians run for their lives. British and American troops will battle for Lewiston, shooting muskets at each other.

An interesting twist in the event is a unique moment in American history when Native Americans rescued white settlers from a foreign attack. These Native Americans of the Tuscarora Nation saved the day, allowing time for citizens to run to safety.

Lewiston was burned to the ground and a dozen citizens were killed during the raid, which occurred on Dec. 19, 1813, during the War of 1812. Around 6 a.m., British troops seized Fort Niagara and set off a cannon in Lewiston's direction to alert awaiting British soldiers to burn down the village. With the Mohawk natives by their side, the British dominated the American troops and set fire to the village during the horrific moment in history.

Next year, on the bicentennial of the British attack, "Flames Through Lewiston" will be incorporated into the unveiling of the Tuscarora Heroes Monument. Ceremonies will be held the morning of Dec. 19, 2013.

We were honored last night to have the Tuscarora's highest chief, Sacarissa Leo Henry, take part in the Flames Through Lewiston event. Chief Henry reenacted the role of Sacarissa Solomon Longboard who led his men in rescuing Lewiston citizens exactly 199 years ago. Click on the picture to enlarge it. Chief Henry is the second from the left in this picture of the Tuscarora reenactors. (Photo courtesy of the Niagara Gazette.)

Also Please see Video of Big Sandy Creek by Clicking Here submitted by Mary Caspar, NY

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