Battle of Lacolle Mills (1812)

The Battle of Lacolle Mills (1812) was a minor engagement fought on November 20, 1812, during the War of 1812. It occurred at Lacolle Mills, Lower Canada (present-day Quebec), between a small British defensive force and a larger American attacking force.

The American objective was to advance north into Lower Canada, aiming to capture Montreal. Brigadier General John Henry Winder led the American forces, which consisted of approximately 5,000 men, although only a portion of these were actively engaged in the battle.

The British defenders, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, numbered around 300-500, consisting of regular British Army troops, Canadian Voltigeurs, and local militia. They had fortified a stone mill at Lacolle and surrounding buildings.

The American attack was poorly coordinated and plagued by miscommunication. They faced stiff resistance from the British defenders, who effectively used the terrain and fortifications to their advantage. Attempts to dislodge the British from the mill proved unsuccessful.

After several hours of fighting, and suffering significant casualties due to friendly fire and the determined British defense, Winder decided to withdraw his forces back to the United States.

The Battle of Lacolle Mills was a tactical victory for the British. Although a relatively small engagement, it contributed to the overall American failure to make significant inroads into Lower Canada during the autumn of 1812. It also enhanced the reputation of Charles de Salaberry as a capable military leader, boosting morale in Lower Canada.