After the battle, the Americans held on to the area until December. They had hoped to use Fort George to launch an attack on the British base at Burlington Heights, but their defeat at Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams wrecked their plans.
Moreover, occupying Fort George made them vulnerable to ambushes.
As a result, on December 10, 1813, the Americans decided to abandon Fort George and Niagara, burning the town in their departure. Those who lived there only had an hour's warning before they lost their homes.
Mary's house was spared though. How did she get so lucky again?
The lighthouse was considered useful by the Americans for shipping, so they chose not to destroy it or the keeper's house.
As she did before, Mary came to the aid of those who needed her. She and her husband opened their doors to the newly homeless. Mary again provided hot food and medical care, which was undoubtedly much appreciated considering that winter had already come to the region.
--Brock-Perry
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