The Upper Canadian settlement at what is now Windsor, Ontario, was briefly occupied by the American Army of the Northwest during the early stages of the War of 1812. General William Hull, responsible for commanding the American forces in the region, sought to take advantage of what he perceived as a weak British presence in Upper Canada. The strategic location of Windsor, situated just across the Detroit River from the U.S. territory of Michigan, made it a focal point for the American campaign aimed at penetrating further into British-held Canada. This attempt was not merely for territorial gain; it was also motivated by a desire to tighten control over the Great Lakes and disrupt British supply lines that were crucial to sustaining British colonial efforts in North America.During the occupation, Hull’s troops marched across the border, entering Windsor without significant resistance. The American Army initially met with some degree of support from local residents who were sympathetic to the American cause. However, this support was tempered by the fears of retribution from British and Indigenous forces, prompting a swift and aggressive response from the British side. The occupation lasted only a few days as Hull's command faced increasing pressure. Soon, rumors of significant British reinforcements and Native American warriors gathering for retaliation forced Hull to retreat from Windsor, marking a tactical setback for the American campaign in the region. The inhabitants of Windsor would experience the turmoil of war firsthand, leading to a complex relationship between the communities on either side of the border in the years that followed.