Prominently located on Parliament Hill, the War of 1812 Monument occupies a site with direct views of, and a symbolic connection to, the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Valiants Memorial, all of which mark major conflicts in Canada’s history. This monument is a dynamic national tribute to the spirit, courage and bravery of those who served and successfully defended their land in the fight forCanada.
The rough-hewn central granite plinth evokes the ruggedness of the land in the 1800s and the nearby rocky cliff of Parliament Hill. The two granite boat-shaped pieces represent the maritime theatre of war and echo the Gothic arches of the Parliament Buildings. Atop the three plinths, seven bronze figures, each approximately two metres tall, represent the key combatants that came together to defeat the American invasion: a Métis fighter firing a cannon; a woman bandaging the arm of a Voltigeur; a Royal Navy sailor pulling a rope; a First Nations warrior pointing to the distance; a Canadian militiaman raising his arm in triumph; and a British Regular firing a musket.
The monument, entitled Triumph Through Diversity, was created by Toronto sculptor Adrienne Alison.
The Government of Canada is committed to remembering and honouring how Canadians from diverse backgrounds and regions came together in the War of 1812 to fight for Canada and together grew a greater sense of nationhood.
