Fort George had been constructed in 1802 and now stands in the historic Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The fort had been built, just after Fort Niagara had been surrendered to the Americans across the Niagara River. It had been constructed in order to secure Canadian and British interests in Upper Canada. During the War of 1812 Fort George played an instrumental, by serving as the headquarters for the center division of the British army. Major Sir Issac Brock served their until his death at Queenston Heights on October 13th, 1812 (Friends of Fort George,1999).

In May of the following year, the Americans dealt a devastating blow the British fort. From across the river the army at Fort Niagara unleashed a devastating artillery bombardment, two days later the Americans approached with their army to the Fort, heavily outnumbering the British (Friends of Fort George,1999). Later that day, the Canadians and the British were forced to retreat, leaving the town of Niagara-on-the-lake to the American troops. The Americans were able to hold Fort George for approximately seven months. This had been the result of their losses at both the Battle of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams (Friends of Fort George,1999). These losses left the American militia dwindling in numbers and their army severely weakened.

It was not until December 10th when the Americans retreated from their stronghold, but on their way out they managed to burn all of Niagara-on-the-lake to the ground. According to William Hamilton Merritt who had been their after their retreat, "nothing but heaps of coals, and the streets full of furniture…met the eye in all directions". This devastation had left all of the towns people without food and shelter (Friends of Fort George,1999).

Over the years both the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake, as well as, Fort George have been reconstructed in their old historical fashion. Fort George had been rebuilt in the 1930's, in a very accurate way using historians and engineers. Their goal was to maintain historical accuracy.

As the War of 1812 broke out William with his father was called to arms. During the War period he began to display qualities of leadership, which would later be applied to his business endevours. Before the war had even begun William joined the militia as an ensign and was assigned to the Calvary group the Niagara Light Dragoons (Burtniak & Wesley.1979). They were often employed as scouts, to guard along the Niagara River. Throughout his military career, Merritt had taken part in the Expedition of Detroit, and the Battle of Queenston Heights. Later in the year of 1813, Merritt raised a troop of horses on his own. Within three weeks Merritt had signed up 42 men, who were willing to follow him. With his new cavalry he patrolled the banks of Queentson and the Niagara River. In 1813 when the Americans has captured Niagara in late May, William and his men retreated with the rest of the militia to Burlington. At this point in time General Vincent suggested that the Canadian Military should be dismantled, as they were of no further use. Unlike the others Merritt and his men were able to stay because they could be of special assistance to the British regulars (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

Merritt had also become involved in the Battle of Stoney Creek, during the battle he stumbled onto an American sentry, once he was noticed the stationed guard had been prepared to take him prisoner. Merritt who may have been dressed in a non-descriptive uniform, lied to the man saying that he was an American soldier (Burtniak & Wesley.1979). Within minutes he had made the American his prisoner and dispatched him to the rear.

Overall throughout Merritt's military career he had been often sent all over the Region with his battalion of the "Niagara Dragoons" Although mostly assigned to guard the banks of the Niagara River, Merritt stayed at Fort George under Sir Issac Brock's commandment and had been present during the retreat of the Americans in Niagara-on-the-lake. Fort George had been Merritt's base for a number of years and that is why Fort George is significant to this particular tour.

Fort George is located as the 1st destination on the Merritt Family Historical Tour .

Burtniak & Wesley (1979). The Welland Canals: First Annual Niagara Peninsula History Conference. City of St. Catharines & Brock University. April 21-22.

Friends of Fort George(1999) "The History of Fort George". Fort George National Historic Site. http://www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/about/index.html