Fort Covington and the War of 1812

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With its proximity to Canada, the most northern part of New York state saw military action during the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War mostly along the Lake Champlain and Lake George corridors.

But from Plattsburgh west to Franklin County, there were military campaigns during the War of 1812. One tiny community in northern Franklin County, about 15 miles northwest of Malone — Fort Covington — has a number of historical markers that help tell the story about an American encampment during that war.

“The town began as a blockhouse to shelter wounded soldiers during the War of 1812 and is named for General Leonard Covington, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm, ” states the Adirondack Frontier website (https://adirondackfrontier.com).

Originally called French Mills, the blockhouse was built there in 1813. The name of the town was changed to Fort Covington in 1817.

The Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site of Canada is located in Morrisburg, Ontario, on the St. Lawrence River just south of the Upper Canada Village living history museum.

The Battle of Crysler’s Farm — known as the “Battle That Saved Canada” — was part of the American push to take Montreal in 1813, according to the historic site’s website.

On Nov. 10, 1813, 8,000 American troops — who had come from Sackett’s Harbor, New York on Lake Ontario up the St. Lawrence River — arrived in the town of Williamsburg, Ontario. They were under the leadership of Maj. -Gen. James Wilkinson.

“Simultaneously, 800 British troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Morrison, took position on John Crysler’s farm behind two large ravines, ” the website states. “The British had pursued the Americans down the St. Lawrence River and were under orders to slow the American advance and prevent a surprise attack. ”

The Americans launched an attack on Nov. 11 with less than half of their troops.

“Wilkinson believed that the British were more inexperienced and underestimated their size as half of the British troops were wearing grey winter coats over the typical red coat. Without a tactical plan, the Americans suffered heavy casualties and were driven back to Cornwall. The heavy losses and quick retreat at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm ended the American campaign for Montreal. ”

Wilkinson’s army spent that winter in the Fort Covington area after the Battle of Crysler’s Farm.

Historical marker in Fort Covington

(Provided photos — Andy Flynn)