Combat· War of 1812
Burlington Heights raid
A probing operation on the western end of Lake Ontario.
American forces carried by Chauncey's squadron moved against Burlington Heights, the fortified British position at the head of the lake on the site of modern Hamilton, Ontario, hoping to find it weakly held. Marines from the squadron supported the landing force. On finding the heights too strong to assault with the troops on hand, the Americans drew off without a serious engagement and turned instead to other targets along the shore. The raid was characteristic of the cautious, inconclusive operations that marked the Lake Ontario theater, where neither side could gain a decisive edge and commanders were reluctant to risk their squadrons or their landing parties against prepared defenses. It confirmed the strength of the British position rather than achieving anything against it.
Podcast episodes on War of 1812
Record no. 252