Welland War History
Monuments and peace gardens mark Welland's war past
Welland Crowland War Memorial
The Welland-Crowland War Memorial is the last large World War I memorial to be erected in Canada. A nationally significant piece of Canadian sculpture, the war memorial, was created by artist Elizabeth Wyn Wood, winner of a Canada-wide competition for the project. Welland’s World War I memorial is unique in that it departs from the design of a single soldier so common on other monuments of that vintage to incorporate stylized elements of the Canadian landscape – red pine and wheat sheaves – along with the representation of a W.W.I trench mortar and two heroic figures – a soldier and a woman – intended to symbolize the “Service and Sacrifice” not only of those who fought but of those who supported the war effort at home. It was unveiled one day after the start of the Second World War on September 4, 1939, by Lieut. Colonel Archdeacon F. G. Scott, D.S.O., Senior Chaplain of the First Canadian Division during World War I and a noted Canadian poet.
Cook's Mills Peace Garden
Lyons Creek & Doan's Ridge Roads
The Battle of Cook's Mills was the last battle fought in Niagara during the War of 1812. The battle took place in 1814 and is the inspiration behind the Peace Garden. Cherished by residents, visitors, and history enthusiasts; the garden is a reminder of over 200 years of Peace.
Battle of Cook's Mills
Corner of Lyons Creek and Matthews Roads
On October 18, 1814, Major-General George Izard ordered Brigadier General Bissell, with about 900 men, to march to Cook's Mills, a British outpost, to seize provisions in the form of wheat intended for British troops. On October 19, at Cooks Mills, a heavy skirmish took place, involving men of the Glengarry Light Infantry and the 82nd, 100th and 104th Regiments. Led by Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Myers, the British and Canadian troops succeeded in their objective of assessing the American forces so that Drummond could take appropriate action. Having accomplished their reconnaissance in force, they withdrew in good order. Bissel also accomplished his mission of destroying the wheat stored at the mills, after which he and his men withdrew to join the main American force. Shortly afterwards, the Americans destroyed Fort Erie and re-crossed the Niagara River to go into winter quarters.