Encaustic Wax and Pigment on Pine

Framed in Maple

42” x 66”

( 106cm x 167cm)

2009

The Canadian heroine of the war of 1812 came from a British loyalist family who had moved from the United States to Canada in 1795 after suffering the aftermath of the American Revolution. A subsequent attack by Americans was successful in taking Fort George and surrounding families were forced after the loss of their fort to billet American soldiers, including the Secord’s. She overheard that American officers were discussing orders about a surprise attack on troops led by British Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon at Beaver Dams which would have furthered American control in the Niagara Peninsula. Laura set out the next morning while still dark, and ran more than 30 km through tough forest, trying to warn Fitzgibbon. Aided near the end of this ordeal by native warriors fighting with the British, she was successful in telling Fitzgibbon in time to mount his own surprise attack which eventually lead to numerous American prisoners and the victory in the battle for Beaver Dams. There are numerous theories and much lore that surround her legend but the fact is she never received a medal or much recognition in her own lifetime. Near the end of her life Laura petitioned the King for acknowledgment of her great heroic deed, and he sent £100 which was all the compensation she ever really received. There is no evidence of what looked looked like and no photographs were ever taken of her, however a drawing made of her near the end of her life exists. Laura’s image is used to sell candy and chocolate and sadly she likely is more known for this than the amazing things she did for Canada.


Born in 1775 in Massachusetts, USA

Died in 1868 in Niagara Falls, Ontario