Fort Malden
Amherstburg, Ontario

This post was begun by the Royal Canadian Volunteers in 1796 to replace Detroit and to maintain British influence among the western First Nations. As the principal defence of the Detroit frontier in 1812, it was here that Isaac Brock gathered his forces for the attack on Detroit. The next year, with supply lines cut and control of Lake Erie lost to the Americans, the British could not hold the fort, which they evacuated and burned. Partially rebuilt by the invading Americans, the Treaty of Ghent, signed in December 1814, returned the site to the British. On 1 July 1815 the fort was re-occupied by the British, who maintained a frontier garrison here until 1851.

Fort Malden National Historic Site preserves the remnants of the second British fort which was built on foundations of the American construction. They had inherited a smaller, semi-completed, earthen fortification, however post war economics forced local commanders to carry out only essential repairs. It was not until the early 1820s that new construction was begun. With the lessening of border tensions between the United States and British North America, the fort was allowed to decay and the last British Regular troops were withdrawn in 1836.

The outbreak of the 1827 Upper Canada Rebellion required British troops to be rushed back to Fort Malden to repel attacks by rebels and American sympathizers. Between 1838 and 1840, the fort was almost entirely rebuilt to accommodate an extended garrison of some 400 troops. The earthenworks were repaired and armed with artillery to put the post in a defensible state. With the end of the Rebellion, the last British regular troops departed in 1851. They left the post in the hands of Enrolled Pensioners, who were tasked to maintain the site if required in the future.

Fort Malden contains four 32 pound Blomefield cannons, two on iron carriages and two on wooden ones, arranged on the ramparts. In addition there is a smaller 19 pounder Blomefield cannon on a wooden carriage in the main courtyard.

The main museum building contains an excellent presentation early 19th century artillery terminology and principles. In addition there are two small mortars, a field gun and a swivel gun.

Fort Malden predates the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and subsequently the Regiment never occupied this establishment. Similiarly, the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery did not use any of the ordnance that is displayed at Fort Malden.

Please note: The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery is seeking additional enhancements to this article. If you have higher quality photographs or additional historic facts, please do not hesitate to contact us through the Heritage board on our discussion forum.

Further information can be found at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada

Photos and text provided by LCol L. Jensen