Erik Nitsche: Fort York/Ontario

Artist: Erik Nitsche
1908 - 1998
Nationality: Swiss
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 20 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

Canada's historic Fort York, located near present day Toronto, was the site of several important battles during the War of 1812. On the morning of April 27, 1813, the soldiers at the garrison and the townspeople of York were startled to see the sails of fifteen American warships in the harbor. The British forces at the fort were outnumbered three to one by the Americans and a furious battle was fought. During one part of the action, the powder magazine at the fort accidentally exploded, killing many men on both sides. Indeed, the large numberof British and American casualties made this one of the bloodiest battles in the War of 1812. Despite stiff resistance, the Americans were able to capture the fort and town, thereby gaining many badly needed supplies. The American forces returned to Fort York several months later and landed unopposed. However, the British soldiers had anticipated the Americans' return and hid many military supplies before the American forces could seize them. After the second American raid, Fort York was rebuilt and fortified to withstand direct attacks. However, no more battles were fought during the War of 1812. During the American Civil War, however, a heavy seven-gun battery was placed along the south wall of the fort to ward against fighting along the U.S./Canada border. Today, Fort York is maintained as a living museum and recreates for visitors the sights and sounds of a nineteenth century British garrison.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Canada 34¢ Fort York stamp issued June 28, 1985.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB09685

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