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LAURA SECORD (1775-1868)
QUEENSTON, ONTARIO, May 25, 2006 -- The Government of Canada commemorates the national historic significance of Laura Secord. A Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) was unveiled today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, by the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform.
"Laura Secord's valiant contribution to Upper Canada's defence during the War of 1812 is immeasurable," said Minister Ambrose. "The commemoration of her heroism will offer Canadians new opportunities to appreciate and learn about her story, and to be inspired by her fortitude and bravery."
In 1813, during the War of 1812, Laura overheard plans for an American attack at Beaver Dams. With her husband James Secord unable to make the journey owing to a wound he suffered in the Battle of Queenston Heights early in the war, Laura resolved to take this information to the British. Setting out at dawn on June 22, she walked cross-country and alone for 32 kilometres through dangerous, occupied territory. Overcoming exceedingly hot temperatures and wild, unsettled land, she reached the De Cew farmhouse in time to alert the officer in charge, Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, of the pending attack. Her information proved to be vital, and on June 24 the Americans were ambushed by British forces.
Until their lives were shattered by the War of 1812, James and Laura Secord lived a relatively typical existence, raising a family of seven. Laura Ingersoll had moved to Upper Canada from Massachusetts with her father and siblings in 1795 and settled in the Niagara Peninsula. Two years later, she married James Secord and moved to Queenston, a small settlement close to the American border. James, wounded early in the War of 1812, was rescued from the battlefield by Laura. He never fully recovered from his wounds.
"Today's designation will heighten our awareness of Laura Secord and highlight the many contributions women have made to our great nation," stated Minister Nicholson. "Canada's new government is building a strong and united Canada, and commemorating the great people and places in our nation's history serves to remind us of a common heritage a proud heritage that acts to unite us and inspire us."
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Ron Dale
Superintendent
Niagara National Historic Sites of Canada
Parks Canada
(905) 468-6600
