Capital in Flames: The American Attack on York, 1813

Today's Toronto was the frontier town of York when it suffered its most traumatic day. In April 1813, warships under U.S. Commodore Isaac Chauncey landed 1,700 soldiers near today's CNE grounds and General Zebulon Pike led them into battle against British, Canadian and native defenders commanded by General Sir Roger Sheaffe. In mid-battle a mighty explosion ripped the earth open and rattled windows 40 miles away, killing or wounding nearly 300. Though the Americans had taken York, they were disappointed as the vessels they hoped to seize were not there and supplies they hoped to capture were destroyed. Discipline broke down and gangs of invaders looted and burned public buildings -- and the loyalty of some citizens came into question. The town suffered a trauma few of its inhabitants would forget, and the much-criticised Sheaffe never again saw active service. This is the first book devoted to this major event in the history of Toronto. Not only does it recount the events in detail but it also provides a portrait of the young town at the time -- its life, its appearance, its citizens, its politics.