Laura Secord

A heroine is a woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for her bravery and noble qualities; Laura Secord easily qualifies and exceeds this definition[i]. Her initiative, quick wit, intelligence and physical fortitude have been inspiring people since her story became widely known. Laura Secord is a genuine icon of Canadian history because 200 years later we are still hearing her story and the effects her actions had on the war of 1812. Laura Ingersoll Secord deserves a place of honour in Canadian history because of her exceptional courage, bravery and heroic act which made a significant impact on the outcome of the battle at Beaver Dams. After reviewing the Criteria outlined in the General Guidelines and Specific Guidelines: for evaluating subjects of potential national historic significance, it only makes sense that Laura Secord receives a commemoration by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and be nationally recognized. She clearly meets the outlined criteria which includes; being involved in an action that had a nationally significant impact on Canadian history, being more than 25 years since her death and being a figure of significance prior to the province entering confederation. Laura Ingersoll was born September 13th 1775 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Laura was seldom free of trouble never really knowing the meaning of a carefree childhood. At age eight her birth mother, Elizabeth Dewey, passed away leaving her to look after her three younger sisters. This was difficult considering her father, Thomas Ingersoll, was an American Officer and constantly had to leave for duty. Her father married twice more and had several children for which Laura was expected to help care for[ii]. In 1795 her father did not wish to live under the United States and government took steps to move his family to Upper Canada on the Kingston Peninsula. He also wanted to take advantage of a greater opportunity to obtain land. Two years after