Legislature on Fire

Legislature on Fire
To avenge the heavy losses and injuries suffered during the Battle of York, American troops and sympathizers destroyed and looted many of York’s public buildings.  Upper Canada’s parliament buildings were burned to the ground and several war trophies were taken, including the Legislative Mace.  Although there is no doubt that the overall destruction was a direct result of the battle outcome, there is still a lively debate as to who lit the flames at the parliament buildings - an American sailor, a released convict, or a traitor.

Brought together by the shared experience of war, the citizens of York began the slow process of rebuilding their town.  Emerging from the ashes, York grew to become a significant economic centre of Upper Canada.