Fighting Island Memorial Plaque

FIGHTING ISLAND 1838

On the night of February 23-24, 1838, a small force of
"Patriots" was ferried from Detroit to Fighting Island,
opposite here, whence an attack against Sandwich was
planned. They were joined the following day by "General"
Donald McLeod, a British army veteran and former resident
of Prescott who brought several hundred supporters from
Cleveland. Advised by the American general, Hugh Brady,
of the proposed attack, British regulars and Canadian
militia in the area moved against the insurgents on February
25th. After a sharp skirmish, the poorly armed "Patriots"
retreated to the Michigan shore where they were dispersed
by American troops.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board