Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History No. 11

The Battle of Châteauguay

by Victor J. H. Suthren

Abstract

On 26 October 1813, on the banks of the Châteauguay River some 30 miles south of Montreal, an engagement was fought between the lead elements of an invading American army and a smaller Canadian force under British command. The result of this engagement was the withdrawal of the American army from Canada and the subsequent retirement of another American army descending the St. Lawrence. This ended the most serious invasion threat of the War of 1812 that Canada would be called upon to face, and demonstrated the ability of Canadians to effectively participate in the defence of their country.