 AMANDA SMITH The Recorder and TimesThe 18th century schooner La Revenante wasn't docked long in Prescott on Wednesday before visitors were already coming aboard for a closer look. People can learn more about the vessel and the region's naval heritage all day today in Prescott. | |
It isn't usual for the military to discuss its precise plans publicly before a battle.
But then again, it isn't every day you're recreating an 18th century clash, either. Not much point in keeping secrets, really, when you know the outcome.
Even we know who wins, there's a sense of excitement about history building in Prescott ahead of the planned reenactment of the Battle of the 1000 Islands on Friday.
The event will involve 15 boats, along with thousands of people and volunteers working together to recreate the British taking con-trol from the French here in Canada.
The recreation of the battle has been in the works since the winter, according to Michael Whittaker of Bishop's Mills, who is taking part in Friday's main event.
"It's part of Prescott's bicentennial year, as well as commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of the Thousand Islands," said Whittaker.
The war took place in the area in August 1760.
The battle on the St. Lawrence has a great significance in Canadian history, stressed Whittaker, who has spent many years as a re-enactor.
"It was truly the last battle between the French and the Indians," he says. "Most people know it as the Seven Years War. Most people think the battle was at the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, but this is where the ... British won control over the French."
Re-enactor Victor Suthren is among those taking part in the weekend's events.
He said he has spent about 25 years being a part of historic re-enactments and noted he has personal ties to this one.
Suthren is an honorary captain in the navy and he helps encourage historical re-creations that are linked to the Canadian navy such as this one.
La Revenante (ghost in English) is the 18th century schooner that sailed into Prescott yesterday and will play a part in the battle that takes place on Friday.
All day Thursday in Prescott at the harbour there will be the 'River Day of Yore' with volun-teers on hand to explain the significance of the battle.
It will feature sailor re-enac-tors, dressed in 1700s-era garb and bearing authentic weapons and goods from that period.
"They love to share their inter-est in history and sailing," said Whittaker, in an earlier interview with the Recorder and Times.
The main event on Friday will include the two 30-foot long-boats, Auld Alliance and Dawn Star, travelling to Ogdensburg to recreate the series of events that took place 250 years ago.
The two smaller boats involved in re-creating the historic battle left from Mallorytown Landing yesterday morning with La Revenante and made a stop in Brockville before arriving in the Fort Town. The schooner did not stop, due to a strong easterly wind that added time to her journey.
By AMANDA SMITH , R & T STAFF WRITER