Laura Secord in the 21st Century
Most Canadians are familiar with the story of Laura Secord’s heroic 32 km walk from her home in Queenston to DeCew House to warn the British of an impending American invasion. Canadians have recognized and celebrated her heroism for the past 212 years, and continue to do so. What’s different now, however, is that after more than 200 years of peace and cooperation, the United States has suddenly engaged in acts of economic and political aggression that have dramatically altered the peaceful and cooperative relationship that we took for granted for centuries. The once-unthinkable notion that our longtime friend and ally to the south would turn on us, politically and economically, has resulted in reactions that no one has experienced in living memory, ranging from disbelief through rage and despair. But because of this threat, our own highly complex and polarized sociopolitical landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Canadians have put aside domestic differences and come together to defend our boundaries, rekindling the stories and symbols which remind us of the importance of our way of life and of the power of Canadian unity. From slogans like ‘Elbows up!’ and songs celebrating our autonomy, we have put aside political partisanship and drawn together in a way not seen the War of 1812.
Few stories symbolize this struggle better than Laura Ingersoll Secord. Her brave trek helped change the course of Canadian history, setting the stage for the great nation that followed – and she became one of our best known and most beloved heroes.But it’s time to revisit Laura Secord’s legacy, and remember that her story is something much more than a quaint narrative about a brave lady who became a chocolate box mascot. Her actual trek was terrifying and dangerous. She risked her own life and the lives of her family members by conveying critical information about a serious military threat. As a result, she has come to represent the exceptional resolve and quiet determination of ordinary Canadians to preserve and protect the values central to our society. Laura Secord’s true story was one of exceptional courage, determination, fortitude and heroism – qualities that can continue to inspire all Canadians, and which will be profoundly important as we move ahead to this uncertain and volatile future.
The Secord Legacy In Action
DeCew House Heritage Park:
Small Site… National Significance
(drone photo courtesy Khaldoon Ahmad, City of Thorold)
DeCew House Heritage Park is home to at least two incredible national stories – a well known story where a courageous woman arrived at DeCew House in June 1813 to warn the British forces of an impending American invasion, and an equally important but lesser known story, enabled by the creation of the First Nation Peace Monument at the site.
Built to honour and acknowledge the significant contributions of First Nations people in the building of Canada, the First Nations Peace Monument also offers a forward-looking testament to hope, justice, peace, and reconciliation with Indigenous people today.
Between 2017 and 2025, the Friends of Laura Secord and partners undertook several major improvements to enhance landscaping, signage, accessibility, aesthetics, and education at the First Nations Peace Monument site at Decew House Heritage Park. Also on the agenda was the installation of Sunflame,the long-awaited centerpiece of Douglas Cardinal’s evocative architectural sculpture.
Because of its profound historical and cultural significance and its close proximity to the Brock District, DeCew House Heritage Park is a must-see destination for residents and visitors to the area. It offers a rare opportunity to reflect upon these important Canadian stories which took place in Niagara, but which were significant enough to echo across the continent.
The Making of Sunflame
How the polished bronze centrepiece of the First Nations Peace Monument was created.
These combined projects – the monument completion, landscaping improvements, and the Niagara Indigenous Heritage Trail – have resulted in a greatly enhanced accessible tourism destination which memorializes events of national and international significance, provides important educational opportunities, and connects a constellation of recreational and heritage tourism assets.
Click here for more information on the First Nations Peace Monument
Why Celebrate Laura Secord?
Historica Canada produced a brief but informative mini-documentary about Laura Secord as part of their iconic Heritage Minute series.
Watch for a one-minute overview of her importance in the founding of our nation.
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