Garrison Cemetery
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 42° 56.827 W 078° 43.817
17T E 685163 N 4757441
A very historic cemetery with many burials from the War of 1812.
Waymark Code: WMFJP
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 06/24/2006
Views: 23
The Town of Amherst had barely taken shape when, on June 19, 1812, the United States Government declared war on England. While no battles took place in Amherst, its proximity to the strategic Niagara Frontier reflected in its history.
The conflict was so near that the settlers were in constant fear. Troops gathered in the vicinity before war was declared, and many died of camp diseases. During the winter of 1812, General Alexander Smyth was repulsed when trying to invade Canada and retired to quarters built along Ellicott creek.
Along Garrison Road to Creek and extending southeast were log barracks of General Smyth's army during the winter of 1812. These buildings later were used as hospitals.
Later on in 1813, the local barracks were enlarged and transformed to a hospital to care for the eleven hundred sick and wounded, and included some British prisoners who were transferred here from Lewiston, NY.
Soldiers who died in the military hospital were buried in this cemetery. It is interesting to note that, of the 205 soldiers buried here, only 12 were from New York.
In the center of the cemetery is a cannon inscribed:
"This American Field piece was captured by the British during the War of 1812".
Street address:
Aero Dr
Cheektowaga, NY United States
14225
County / Borough / Parish: Erie
Year listed: 2002
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Cemetery for those who died during the War of 1812
Periods of significance: 1814-present
Historic function: Cemetery
Current function: Cemetery
Privately owned?: no
Season start / Season finish: From: 01/01/2006 To: 12/31/2006
Hours of operation: From: 8:00 AM To: 9:00 PM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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