Following in the footsteps of Laura Secord
It was 205 years ago when Laura Secord walked into the history books, leaving her home and her injured husband, James, in Queenston for DeCew House, in what is modern-day Thorold, to warn the British of an impending attack by American troops, on June 22, 1813.
Two days later, on June 24, the British and their Indigenous allies intercepted the Americans and forced their surrender at the Battle of Beaver Dams.
Since then, many have honoured the War of 1812 heroine, retracing the steps of her historic journey.
“We have about 100 people every year,” said Caroline McCormick, president of the Friends of Laura Secord.
The walk approximates the 32-kilometre route that Secord travelled, avoiding main roads and taking a more concealed route along Twelve Mile Creek. It encompasses all types of terrain, from forested walking paths to concrete sidewalks.
This year’s walk takes place Saturday, June 23. Participants can choose to walk the entire 32-kilometre distance or any part thereof.
There will be a few niceties for walkers that Secord didn’t have on her journey. Things such as a wine-tasting at Niagara College, strawberries courtesy of Walker’s Country Market, Starbucks coffee and iced coffee, water and fruit at Rodman Hall in St. Catharines.
The cost to register for the walk is $25 and includes a medal for participants, shuttle-bus service and snacks along the way. Portable toilets will be available along the route.
Participants can also stop at Morningstar Mill, just a kilometre from the walk’s finish, which is hosting a “grinding day” at the site. Visitors will able to see the mill in action and take home a two-pound bag of flour in exchange for a $4 donation.
Check-in for the walk takes place at the Laura Secord Homestead, starting at 7 a.m. the day of the walk. Shuttle-bus service is available starting at 10 a.m.
The homestead, meanwhile, will also be hosting events that day, including an outdoor cooking demonstration and re-enactors portraying American soldiers, who were occupying the area at that time, conducting musket demonstrations.
“We’ll be doing some historic cooking — most likely sugar cookies — and we’ll have samples for people to try,” said Erin Ronfeld, manager for the Niagara Parks property.
Also, participants are also being invited to visit the Landscape of Nations at Queenston Heights, for an event called The Gathering, at 2 p.m.
That event honours Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and is held to help mark National Aboriginal History Month. It features members of the local Indigenous community speaking about the importance of their culture and heritage and how they helped shape the path to Canada becoming a nation.
For more information, and to register for the walk, visit www.friendsoflaurasecord.com.
The homestead is at 29 Queenston St. in Queenston.