Honouring the Glengarry Fencibles at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum: Step back into the 1812 War on September 26

By Dave Johnston

Upper Canada’s early times will be brought vividly to life on Saturday, September 26, with the chance to Interact with costumed interpreters, demonstrations of historic trades, and children’s activities. Watch the excitement of MacDonell’s Company of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles staging live tactical battle demonstrations and skirmishes in the annual War of 1812 reunion at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan.

More details and ticket purchase.

Who were the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles?

The Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles were a light infantry regiment raised in the Glengarry District of Upper Canada shortly before the War of 1812. Composed largely of Catholic emigrants from Glengarry, Scotland—many of whom had previously served in the Glengarry Fencibles*, the unit fought throughout the war and was disbanded in 1816

Plans to raise a fencible corps in the district date back to 1807, but the initiative gained urgency in 1812 as war with the United States became imminent. Captain George MacDonnell of the 8th (King’s) Regiment was appointed to raise the “Glengarry levy,” initially set at 376 men.

Recruits came not only from Upper Canada but from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, most of Scottish origin. Enlistees received a bounty of four guineas ( a guinea was an old British gold coin), which in terms of purchasing power then would be about $400, and the promise of 100 acres of land after the war.

Through the efforts of the unit’s chaplain, Alexander Macdonell, the corps grew to 600 men. Governor General Sir George Prevost elevated its status to a full regiment, officially naming it the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles. The regiment saw extensive service across Upper Canada, fighting in major engagements including the First and Second Battles of Ogdensburg, the Battle of York, the Battle of Fort George, and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Carrying on the Legacy

Today, their legacy is carried forward by the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, an Army Reserve regiment headquartered in Cornwall, Ontario, whose badge incorporates the title “Glengarry Fencibles.”

The living history group Macdonell’s Company of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles also preserves and interprets the regiment’s story, engaging the public and inspiring youth through authentic portrayals of life in 1812, such as the upcoming September 26 event.

Hope you’ll come out then and be part of watching history come alive!

*Fencibles (from the word defencible) were military units raised in the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries for the purpose of defending against foreign invasion during times of war.