The Battle of Beaver Dams took place on 24 June 1813, during the War of 1812. A United States column marched from Fort George and attempted to surprise a British outpost at Beaver Dams, billeting themselves overnight in the village of Queenston, Ontario. Laura Secord, a resident of Queenston, had earlier learned of the U.S. plans, and had struck out on a long and difficult trek to warn the British at Decou's stone house near present-day Brock University. When the U.S. resumed its march, they were ambushed by Native warriors, and eventually surrendered to a small British detachment led by Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. About 500 U.S. soldiers, including their wounded commander, were taken prisoner.