Lieutenant Zig Misiak shown as a Caldwell’s Ranger officer. This new branch of Caldwell’s Rangers is in the formation stage out of Brantford Ontario. Sergeant Paterson and Corporal Leigh Moore along with a dozen more re-enactors are poised to support the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The Brantford based unit will work closely with a senior contemporary Caldwell’s Rangers unit based out of Fort Malden, Amherstburg, under Captain John McLeod. The Brantford based unit anticipates a close relationship with Six Nations youth, along the Grand River Territory, encouraging them to get involved in the upcoming anniversary.

The original rangers were formed by William Caldwell who had been a captain in Butler’s Rangers and had settled in Essex County after the American Revolution. He then commanded the Western Rangers sometimes called Caldwell’s Rangers. Caldwell fought along side the Natives as did the Butlers Rangers.

There is little authenticated documentation as to the clothing and equipment carried by the rangers. It is known that the rangers were issued a “bucket cap” (probably a cut down infantry shako without the brass plate or feather hackle), grey woolen trousers and a green woolen tunic, and a black leather bayonet belt and cartridge box. This equipment was issued only once; after that, they were told to re-supply themselves from the enemy.

U.S. 16th

Sergeant Rick Thompson’s re-enactment unit established in Brantford in 1998. Along with Corporal, James Braund, and many other re-enactors they portray the U.S. 16th formed in 1813 in Philadelphia during the War of 1812. This unit fought in Stoney Creek, Fort Erie, Fort York, and Chryslers Farm all located in Upper Canada and part of the U.S. invasion. These dedicated re-enactors continue to participate at historical events annually throughout North America.