The legend started with the War of 1812 in the region of Queenston, now known as the Niagara Peninsula.
The event was in June 1813, when American officers went to the Secord home and requested food and accommodation.
As she served them, Laura listened about their plans to launch a surprise quick attack on the British outpost at DeCew House.
Laura Secord’s house was the start to win the Beaver Dams battle.
Laura began her 32-kilometre journey, to warn the British forces about the expected attack.
On June 24, 1813, British and Native troops intercepted the Americans and forced their surrender at the Battle of Beaver Dams. This battle lined the border between the United States and Canada since.
Laura Secord lived in her house from 1803 – 1835 , the house restored and furnished with original furniture by the Laura Secord Candy Company in 1971, and gifted to The Niagara Parks Commission in 1998.
© Google Images – Laura Secord’s Bedroom.
The style of this house follows the Cape Cod vernacular, which is a simple one.
There are no decorative embellishments on the house. It was designed for easy construction and efficient heating. Low ceilings and a central chimney kept rooms comfortable during cold winters. The steep roof helped slough off the heavy snow. The house has one and a half stories, constructed of wood and sided in wide clapboard, large central chimney linked to a fireplace in each room, rectangular shape, front door placed at the center, multi-paned, double-hung windows, and hardwood floors. It was very typical for its day, serving function while keeping occupants snug from the Canadian elements.
And it housed a heroine.
How amazing is that?
Researched and Written by Taghreed Al-Zubaidi , Masters Student of Inclusive Design at OCAD University- Toronto.
