When Neighbours Fight

Every American child knows the story about those Canadian rebels (still technically British subjects at the time), who stormed across the Canadian/American border during the War of 1812 and torched the White House in Washington.

What they might not know however, is that it was not an unprovoked attack.  In my completely unbiased opinion, Canadians just wouldn’t do that {said with the slightest trace of a smirk}.

American militia had attacked York (now Toronto), then proceeded to burn and loot many buildings … including the Legislative building.

The Parliamentary Mace – a ceremonial “wand” carried into the Legislature to signify that parliament is ready to conduct business – was stolen by the Americans as a trophy.

For over a hundred years, Ontario’s original Parliamentary Mace sat in a Washington museum until it was finally returned to Canada in 1934 by President Franklin Roosevelt.

It now resides in the lobby of Queen’s Park – home of the Ontario Provincial Legislature in Toronto.

The 1st Parliamentary Mace – made of wood and painted gold

The current Mace of the Ontario Legislature is a bit more ornate than the original and has been in use for over a hundred years.  It sports 2 large diamonds – the first diamonds mined in Ontario.

This is actually the 3rd Mace – the 2nd was destroyed in a fire.  This one is made of copper and is gold-plated.

The War of 1812 was the only armed conflict between the two neighbours and both the Americans and Canadians celebrate it as a victory for their side.