Secord, Laura Ingersoll National Historic Person

Queenston, Ontario
engraving on wove paper mounted on card © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Laura Secord in Later Life
© Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
engraving on wove paper mounted on card © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives CanadaArtist: Smith, Lorne K., (Lorne Kidd), 1880-1966 © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / no d'acquisition 1997-229-2 / C-011053
Address : Queenston, Ontario

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2002-11-01
Life Date: 1775 to 1868

Other Name(s):
  • Secord, Laura Ingersoll  (Designation Name)
Research Report Number: 2002-015

Importance: A renowned hero of the War of 1812

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  29 Queenston Street, Queenston, Ontario

This celebrated heroine of the War of 1812 is a renowned figure in Canadian history. Determined to warn the British of an impending American attack on Beaver Dams, Secord set out from her home on June 22, 1813, on a dangerous mission. She travelled alone for over 30 kilometres behind enemy lines, struggling to make it to the De Cew farmhouse, where she informed Lieutenant FitzGibbon about the American plan. Later in the 19th century, a first generation of women historians championed Secord's courageous deed with the goal of uncovering and popularizing women's contributions to the history of Canada.