Tecumseh and Brock Statue/Sandwich Roundabout
A bronze sculpture of Major-General Isaac Brock and Shawnee leader Tecumseh graces the entrance of Olde Sandwich Towne in the center of the roundabout at Riverside and Sandwich streets. The monument honours the men who led a British-First Nations force that took Detroit without firing a shot in August 1812. The placement of the statue was a source of controversy, with citizens arguing that it would be better placed elsewhere, such as in Patterson Park, but it was decided by City Council to place it in the roundabout.
The statue, commissioned by the city to be done by Mark Williams, commemorates the rich history of the Sandwich area. Brock and Tecumseh are recognized as heroes of the War of 1812, (or more specifically, the Battle of Fort Detroit), which started when British and Aboriginal fighters crossed the river from what is now Windsor’s west-end neighbourhood of Sandwich. Their success in capturing Fort Detroit stopped what Thomas Jefferson said would be a mere matter of marching into Canada.
The statue of Brock and Tecumseh was originally conceived by long-time resident and Sandwich town champion, John Muir. City Council approved $346,000 in funds to commission the statue in 2014, though the location of the statue was still being debated until May 2017. The roundabout was officially unveiled on September 7, 2018.
Sources:
Report to City Council – Paterson Park Tecumseh Brock Monument
Tecumseh statue to mark important War of 1812 battle
Windsor council to erect statue in Sandwich roundabout despite resident concerns
Sculptor relieved Brock-Tecumseh monument going in roundabout
Tecumseh-Brock statue on display at Sandwich roundabout
Tecumseh-Brock statue unveiled in Sandwich Towne