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Today in History: British Forces Capture and Burn Buffalo, New York

12/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 30, 1813, during the War of 1812, British forces captured Buffalo, New York, near the Niagara River. This attack was a retaliation for the American troops' earlier destruction of the Canadian village of Newark. The British successfully drove off American defenders and set fire to nearly all buildings and ships in Buffalo.

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Story summary

On December 30, 1813, during the War of 1812, British forces captured Buffalo, New York, near the Niagara River. This attack was a retaliation for the American troops' earlier destruction of the Canadian village of Newark. The British successfully drove off American defenders and set fire to nearly all buildings and ships in Buffalo.