NOTL BLACK HISTORY: Role Of The Coloured Corps

by Karen Couch
4 years ago
Near Niagara-on-the-Lake, CA

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It was on the eve of the War of 1812 that a former slave, Richard Pierpoint, proposed to form the first all Black fighting unit on the Niagara Frontier. Pierpoint was 68 years of age. He had been born a free man and wanted to die a free man! in 1760, at age 16, he was captured in West Africa and taken as a slave to New York; there a member of the Pierpoint family of Connecticut purchased him. When the American Revolution broke out, 1775, British government offered freedom to slaves willing to enlist. Richard escaped and joined Butler's Rangers, a commando-type unit. After the American Revolution, 1783, British allowed Pierpoint (as with all former slaves) his freedom (US wanted slaves returned) and gave him a parcel of land, so he came to UC. which brings us back to 1812. Initially, this proposal rejected, however the British military realized that they would need more men, and Coloured Corps formed. We'll now walk to the site of Fort George where the Coloured Corps trained throughout the early fall of 1812.

1. FORT GEORGE: One would think a Black soldier with fighting experience would be named to head a Black Corps, but no. controversial white Captain Robert Runchey put in command. It was hard for Pierpoint to recruit men due to geography so the group was small +/- 50 Black men, free and slaves. within the militia, Coloured Corps faced racism and segregation. Runchey put some as domestic servers to other British soldiers. Despite these inequalities and hardships, the Coloured Corps defended the Niagara Region honorably. They participated in defeat of the Americans at Queenston Heights and fought in 1813 Battle of Fort George (won by US). Thereafter, they retreated with British to Burlington Heights. For the remainder of the year, CC participated in the blockade of the American army at Fort George, enduring the same harsh conditions with British troops. Later that year, hoping to gain control of the mouth of the river, US destroyed the original Fort George and much of the nearby town of Niagara. this backfired and British took over Fort Niagara and Fort George. with Fort George destroyed, a new site was selected and a more secure smaller fortification was ordered constructed. Whether because of racial influences or skill, the Coloured Corps assigned to the Royal Engineering Corp to help repair and build fortifications. they became a corps of Artifacers. you may also read some texts where they are referred to as expert axemen. Let's head to the site that was chosen for the new fort.

2. FORT MISSISSAUGA: British knew this fort, Fort Mississauga would be crucial in protecting them from enemies coming up the Niagara River. they designed the fort to be built with a dry ditch in a unique star-shaped earthen work. central tower is believed to be constructed of bricks salvaged from rubble of nearby town of Niagara. Conditions during war made this challenging work. White troops did not want to do this job. So although less glorious than battle, the CC contributions to reparations to fort, due to its strategic importance should not be dismissed. Much of original work of 1813-14 remains. Fort Mississauga only lingering example of this military design in Canada. walk around and explore the Fort. Let's head into town. hear what happened

3. VOF PARK: Following end of war, CC disbanded in 1815. Thereafter CC veterans faced discrimination getting back pay and pensions. Srgt. William Thompson informed he “must go and look for his pay himself,” When grants distributed in 1821, CC veterans received 100 acres, half of White counterparts. Many did not settle the land they were granted because it was poor quality. records indicate that claims still being settled well into the 1820s and early 1830s. getting what was owed often left to their widows and children, as many CC veterans died before receiving what was due to them. Pierpoint's experiences typify adversity men of CC faced in post-war period. Having reached his early seventies in 1815, he was unenthusiastic about the prospect of beginning afresh. In July 1821 he travelled to York to petition Maitland, entirely unable “to obtain a livelihood by his labor,” and “above all things wanted return to his native country.” Notwithstanding testimonials to his service in two wars, Pierpoint instead granted plot of 100 acres alongside a tract of the Grand River within Garafraxa Township (Dufferin Co/Orangeville. he struggled; after years of transient existence between Niagara and Garafraxa, died btw 1837/38, his dream to return to Africa unfulfilled.

Thanks to Pierpoint CC laid foundations for broader gradual acceptance of African-Canadians in military, and formation of several Black militia units, including provincial regulars, Rebellion of 1837-38. on a final positive note, in 2019 Niagara's black community rec'd recognition, unveiling of plaque commemorating role of segregated black militia units in UC; placed in Queenston Heights overlooking Niagara River