Laura Secord

Laura Ingersoll Secord (http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/on-line-exhibits/1812/pics/ao619796_secord_b_and_w_270.jpg)

A hero is someone who is extraordinary in times of need, who puts themselves before others and is admired by their accomplishments. During the war of 1812, the courageous Laura Secord walked 32 miles to the Fitzgibbon camp. That journey made her one of Canada's most inspiring heroes.

Laura Secord's House in Queenston [Niagara-on-the (The Canadian Encyclopedia. Online. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=J1ARTJ0007258)

On September 13th, 1775 a hero was born. Laura Ingersoll was born into a Loyalist family in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In 1795 the family moved to Canada, and then in 1797 she married James Secord. They settled in Queenston, which is located in Upper Canada and they lived a happy life. However, things changed on October 13th, 1812, when the American forces came and invaded Canada.

The Americans went to Queenston to battle and during the fight, Laura and her family found shelter at a nearby farm. Laura's husband stayed back and fought with the Canadian forces. Even though the Canadians drove the Americans out, James Secord was injured. During 1812 and 1813 small battles broke out between the two rivals. But, in June 1813, the Americans invaded the Secord home and they were forced to serve the American soldiers. One summer day, Laura overheard the Americans planning a surprise attack on the British troops led by Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon at Beaver Dams. This attack would help the Americans gain control over the Niagara Peninsula. So, the brave Laura Secord decided to go visit Fitzgibbon and warn him about the attack.

Laura and Lt. James Fitzgibbon (http://www.geocities.com/royalistparty/Laura_Secord.jpg)

On the trip, Laura encountered many tough challenges. She walked through swamps, brush fields and over hills. She was determined to tell the lieutenant the news no matter what condition she was in. On her way, she crossed an Iroquois tribe and communicated with them. She was later assigned a First Nations escort to help her reach Fitzgibbon. With the friends help, she reached her site. Two days after talking to Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon, the American force was ambushed near Beaver Dams. Thanks to Laura's bravery, Fitzgibbon prevented the surprize attack and got the Americans to surrender with 462 men.

Statue honouring Laura Secord

Laura Secord is an inspiring Canadian hero to many. She stopped an attack on Canada that would have changed our history forever. She used her courage, bravery and determination to help save many. In Niagra Falls, there is a monument has been made in memory of her and her many accomplishments. I believe there is a hero in all of us but, just like Laura Ingersoll Secord, we have to go and find it.