The 2026 Battle of Crysler Farm Re-enactment Weekend was held over the weekend of July 11 and 12. During the War of 1812-14, American forces engaged British, colonial and indigenous soldiers with many of the interactions occurring within a few feet of each other. Thompson Goddard Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – After months of meetings, planning sessions and ensuring that every detail was taken care of, the 2026 Battle of Crysler Farm Re-enactment Weekend was held over the weekend of July 11 and 12.

Organized by The Friends of the Crysler Farm Battlefield (FCFB) in collaboration with Parks of the St. Lawrence (SLPC)/Upper Canada Village (UCV), the event was held on the grounds adjacent to UCV. In the shadow of the Crysler Battlefield Memorial and in view of the Battlefield Memorial Building, hundreds of re-enactors, camp followers, sutlers (merchants) gathered to provide visitors with an authentic view into life into an early 19th century military encampment.

Describing the 2026 re-enactment weekend as one of the most successful events, FCFB President Sperry Lee commented “We have had an excellent set of volunteers” before, during and after the event. He mentioned that this year’s weekend had one of the highest number of re-enactors present and an exceptional turnout from the public.

Peggy Hause, SLPC Domestic Programming Supervisor, mentioned how the organization is pleased to work with members of the FCFB to provide an informative and interesting event highlighting this important part of our local history.

Members of the re-enacting community came from several American states as well as Canadian provinces. The American and Canadian forces each had their own tent line area, with sutlers, a period regimental surgeon, 1812 era artisans and sutlers creating an interesting first experience for visitors upon entering the re-enactment area.

In addition to visiting the encampment and interacting with its inhabitants, there were several activities for people to enjoy. This included an English Country Dancing on Saturday, visiting the Battlefield Memorial Building, the Battlefield Memorial, take a guided tour or dress up in Regency period clothing and take a selfie to preserve the memory.

Representatives from the SD&G Highlanders, UEL St. Lawrence Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association, Glengarry Pioneer Museum from Dunvegan, and the Brockville Infantry Co provided information at their tented booths from their respective organizations.

Russell author Dr. Darrell Menard was at the event with a display and copies of his recent book “Diary of a Deployed Doc. Dr. Greg Baron from Kingston had an interactive and interesting display of military medicine from the early 1800’s, with several presentations over the weekend of military surgical procedures in that era.

For those wishing a memento of the event with the FCFB had a booth where people were able to purchase items and books on the Battle of Crysler’s Farm. Following the conclusion of the battle re-enactment people were able to purchase the opportunity to fire a cannon which included a short historical talk on the role of artillery.

Many re-enactors participate in a variety of time periods in addition to the War of 1812-14, including the French and Indian War between 1754 and 1763 as well as the American Revolutionary War. Members of the re-enactment community spend a great deal of time researching the military, social and cultural aspects of the time period in which they participate. They often, upon request, provide informational presentations to the general public and demonstrate their deep appreciation for history by their accuracy and participation in re-enactments.

James Braund, from southwestern Ontario, is a member of the 16th Infantry Regiment and explained this Regiment was present at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm in 1813. He noted there were several re-enactors portraying American regiments which included the 21st Regiment United States Infantry, the Canadian Volunteers and the Forsythe Rifles.

Making one’s way towards the re-enactment registration tent there were several artisans and sutlers providing an insight into the commercial side of the early 19th century. Mistress Miller Seamstress was deep in conversation with Gunner James Dobson of the 7th Battalion, Royal Artillery when encountered.

Dobson took a few minutes to provide an interesting insight into the life of a Gunner (the rank given to a Corporal in an artillery regiment) in 1812. He explained that like many other re-enactors he is part of many different re-enacting groups and describes his participation as an enjoyable hobby. Mistress Miller provides the opportunity to experience a period commercial establishment where both members of the public and the re-enactment community can purchase a variety of period correct items.

With the battle scheduled for 2 p.m., a Children’s Muster and musical presentation by the Regimental Band of the 100th Regiment of Food. Prior to the commencement of the battle, the artillery participating in the battle fired an artillery round in honour of the late Bob Irvine, who passed earlier this year. Lee noted that Irvine was a founding member of the FCFB, had been a dedicated gun crew member and continued to support the Friends in many ways.

On behalf of the FCFB, Lee wished to thank the sponsors of the 2026 re-enactment which included the SDG Regimental Foundation, the United Counties of SDG, Riverside Heights Recreation Association/Morrisburg & District Lions Club, Hess’ Your Independent Grocer and Giant Tiger both of Morrisburg. Notes of thanks were extended to the volunteers, participants as well as the general public for their continued support.

“From the observations over the weekend and information received by me, it appears to be the best re-enactment so far!” commented Lee. With a smile, he said that for those who didn’t make to the 2026 event, there will be another one in two years.

More information on the FCFB can be found on their social media sites as well as website located at www.cryslersfarm.com.