On this day 212 years ago during the War of 1812, the Battle of Châteauguay was fought. While Major General Isaac Brock was defending Ontario, Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry commanded the French Canadian Voltigeurs in the defence of Québec.

Facing an American force nearly three times their size advancing toward Montréal, de Salaberry set a masterful ambush along the Châteauguay River. With bugle calls, shouted orders, and disciplined volleys, he convinced the invaders they faced a massive army.

The Americans broke and retreated. Montréal was saved, and de Salaberry’s triumph became one of the proudest moments in Canadian military history.