Longwoods 2024 Visitor Information & Schedule

The Upper Thames Military Reenactment Society and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority present the Battle of Longwoods on May 4th and 5th, 2024. Re-enactors from across North America come together to recreate military and camp life in Southwestern Ontario during the War of 1812. Enjoy tours, demonstrations, and a daily battle.

The gates will open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am and the site will be open until 4:00 pm. A variety of activities are available each day. There will be period merchants open daily, and visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the Ska-Nah-Doht Village. In addition to the battle, we will have demonstrations from the surgeon, a performance by the Crown Forces Drums, Artillery presentations, camp tours, and more!

Below is the schedule from last year. Please check back soon for the 2024 schedule.

10:00Gates Open to Public
10:30Battalion Drill
British Forces perform their daily drill in preparation for the Battle of the Longwoods.

Battlefield
11:15Camp Tour
Join a British officer to explore how the officers and men of the British army lived in camp in 1812.
Pavilion
11:30Surgeon
Surgical knowledge was rapidly changing in the early 19th C. Our surgeon will demonstrate how to deal with common wounds and diseases of the time.
Pavilion
12:30Indigenous and British Negotiations
British officers negotiate with Indigenous leaders about the upcoming battle.
First Nations Camp
1:45Camp Tour
Join a British officer to explore how the officers and men of the British army lived in camp in 1812.
Pavilion
2:00Music Demonstration
Hear a sample of military music from the Drums Crown Forces, 1812.
Battlefield
2:15Cannon Demonstration
In the early 19th C artillery was an important part of military strategy. See how these guns were loaded and fired and how they were used.
Battlefield
2:30Battle Demonstration
British, Indigenous, and American Forces will demonstrate the military tactics of the period.
Battlefield
3:00Mini-Militia
Following the battle, youngsters who want to be soldiers will be trained in the drill and discipline required of a soldier in 1812.
Battlefield
4:00Gates Close