Laura Secord

Laura Secord (born Ingersoll, 13 September 1775 – 17 October 1868) was a Canadian heroine of the War of 1812. She is known for having walked 20 miles (32 km) out of American-occupied territory to warn British forces of an impending American attack. Her information led to the British victory at the Battle of Beaver Dams. Her contribution to the war was forgotten until 1860, when future king Albert Edward, Prince of Wales awarded the impoverished widow £100 for her service.

Her father, Thomas Ingersoll, who had fought on the side of the American revolutionaries during the War, moved his family to the Niagara region of Upper Canada in 1795 after he had applied for and received a land grant. Shortly after, Laura married United Empire Loyalist James Secord, with whom she had seven children. The family lived in Queenston. After the outbreak of the War of 1812, Secord's husband was seriously wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights. While he was still recovering in 1813, the Americans invaded the Niagara peninsula, including Queenston. Secord acquired information about a planned American attack, and stole away on the morning of 23 June to inform Lieutenant James FitzGibbon at DeCew House in the territory still controlled by the British. The information helped the British and their Mohawk warrior allies win the Battle of Beaver Dams, keeping the invading Americans at bay.

The legend of Laura Secord has become of part of Canadian mythology, and many embellished versions of the tale have appeared over the years. She is the namesake of several schools and the Laura Secord chocolate company, named in her honour on the centennial of her walk. She has been repeatedly honoured in her homeland, with several monuments, a museum, and a statue at the Valiants Memorial in the Canadian capital. She has been the subject of books, poetry and plays. A commemorative stamp was issued by Canada Post in 1992.