Battle of Chippewa - Definition and Overview

The Battle of Chippewa (sometimes spelled Chippawa) was a decisive victory for American militia units which allowed for the invasion of Canada along the Niagara River.

By July, 1814 Napoleon had been defeated in Europe, and the arrival of seasoned British veterans in Canada was imminent. Prodded by Secretary of War John Armstrong and eager to win a decisive victory in Canada before British reinforcements arrived, the Americans becan drilling and training their militia units under the capable command of Brig. Gen. Winfield Scott, which were to form Maj. Gen. Jacob Brown's Army of the North.

After Winfield Scott had captured Fort Erie on July 3 and more militia units arrived under Peter B. Porter, Brown's army began advancing along the Niagara River into lower Ontario. General Phineas Riall commanded an army of British regulars, militia and some Iroquis warriors. Riall planned to launch a surprise attack on the dismissible American militia units and send them back to the American side. On July 5, the Americans met the British near the town of Chippewa, and a battle quickly developed and the Americans failed to give way. The American militia held so strongly the Riall exclaimed he must be facing seasoned American regulars. At only 100 meters away from the American militia the British soldiers began to falter, and after Winfield Scott ordered a bayonet charge, the British army fled in a full scale retreat. The Americans were able to continue their advance into lower Ontario.

The Battle of Chippewa, and the Battle of Plattsburgh soon to come, proved that American militia units could hold their own against British regulars if properly trained and well led. The American army was becoming a well trained force with new and capable leaders such as Jacob Brown and Winfield Scott who were to emerge the war as national heroes.