Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 13th Year - 2017

To see what's new on this site, you can visit the Home Page

Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone in Landscape mode (Horizontal)

Garrison Common and the Battle of York

Photos and transcription by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted December, 2015

On the north side of Garrison Road, north of the Fort York Visitor Centre and Gardiner Expressway, can be found this Fort York plaque. Here's what it says:

Coordinates: 43.638090 -79.406914

Garrison Common is part of Fort York National Historic Site comprising 17.4 hectares (43 acres) of land. On April 27, 1813, it was part of a larger battlefield after some 2,500 American soldiers, sailors and volunteers attacked York by land and water. Across this ground, American troops advanced on Fort York and the Town of York, which were defended by about 1,000 troops comprising British Regulars, Canadian Militia, First Nations Warriors and civilians. By the end of the battle, U.S. forces suffered 320 dead and wounded while York's casualties numbered about 157.
Garrison Common survives as part of the original 1793 Military Reserve lands cleared for use by the British Army around the fort. As part of a broader fortification system, army engineers created unobstructed defensive fields around forts. In the case of Fort York, "The Common" gave the watchful eyes of the fort's sentries a clear view of the lands west of the fort.
In peacetime, military commons were shared with the civilian population for public gatherings and sporting events. Open, level fields were well-suited to equestrian events and shooting competitions. Bridging the gap between the military and civilians was important in garrison towns like York (Toronto) because of the political, social and economic ties between the two groups.

Other plaques in this series
Grand Magazine and Explosion Crater
The Main (East) Gate
Strachan Avenue Military Burying Ground
West Curtain Wall and Dry Moat
The Western Battery and The Battle of York

More
Conflict

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

(none yet)

Here's where you can sent me a comment for this page.

Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).

Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.

To send me your comment, click [email protected].

Thanks
Webmaster

Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click here.