The Laura Secord Homestead: Paying Tribute to Canada’s Most Famous Heroine

The War of 1812 brought out the worst and the best in people of the time and in many cases effected the lives of common citizens. One of these people who helped to forever change the war is the now famous, Laura Secord.




A Short History of Laura Secord

Born in Massachusetts around the year of 1775, Laura Ingersoll came into the world at a time of war. The American Revolution was being fought and her father was sided with the patriots at the time.

In 1795 however, Laura’s father moved the family to Upper Canada in hopes to start a new life and gain back some of the family’s fortune.

After finally settling in Niagara, Laura met James Secord, a United Empire Loyalist, and within two years of her arriving in Canada the two were married.

Early in the 1800’s, James and Laura Secord had moved into what would soon become her famous homestead located in Queenston.

During the War of 1812, as American soldiers were occupying many parts of Upper Canada, the Secords were ordered to provide American Soldiers with sleeping quarters as need be and so it was on June, 21. 1813 that both Laura and her husband listened in on the American soldiers as the discussed a planned attack against Lt. James Fitzgibbon at Beaverdams.

Such a surprise attack would surly defeat the un-witting Canadian soldiers and give the Americans full control over the entire area.

Knowing this information, both James and Laura knew that someone must warn Fitzgibbon before it was too late.

Since her husband was injured at the Battle of Queenston Heights months earlier, Laura knew that he would not be able to make the journey and so decided to take on the task herself.

On June 24, 1813, Native warriors along with British soldiers were able to ambush the American soldiers at Beaver dams before they could mount a proper attack. This became known as the Battle at Beaverdams.

Touring The Homestead

Although the efforts put forth by Laura Secord may have significantly helped Canada win the War of 1812, she wasn’t officially recognized for her bravery until 1860 when Edward, Prince of Whales paid a visit to Canada.

The home that Laura lived in with her husband was eventually restored and is now a popular destination for visitors to the area who are interested in the history of Niagara and the War of 1812.

The homestead is filled with period furniture and tour guides are dressed in period clothing.

Every June there are events held at the house to commemorate Laura Secord’s act of bravery.

Located at 29 Queenston St. in the Town of Queenston (fifteen min drive from the Falls).

The Laura Secord Homestead is open daily throughout the summer months and on weekends in the Spring and early Fall.

Admission:$4.75 Adults/$3.65 Children

Children under 5 are free.

Return from the Laura Secord Homestead and lern more about the rich Niagara Falls History.