About the Project
Roots of the Regiment
From Rogers’ Rangers to The Queen’s Rangers
The Queen’s York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) is a Canadian Army Primary Reserve regiment based in Toronto and Aurora, Ontario. Its history connects the story of colonial North America with the development of Upper Canada, the growth of Toronto, and Canada’s military service at home and abroad.
The Regiment traces its heritage to two historic ranger units. During the Seven Years’ War (1756 – 1763), Robert Rogers led Rogers’ Rangers, known for reconnaissance and operations in difficult terrain behind enemy lines. In 1776, Rogers raised the Queen’s Rangers, a Loyalist regiment named in honour of Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, to serve the British Crown during the American Revolution.
The Queen's Rangers
From Revolution to Upper Canada
The Queen’s Rangers distinguished themselves in several campaigns, including the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 and the Philadelphia campaign. Under John Graves Simcoe, who took command later that year, the Rangers became known for their mobility, reconnaissance and aggressive tactics. Following the British defeat at Yorktown in 1781, the Regiment’s colours escaped capture and were taken to England by Simcoe.
When Simcoe became the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada in 1791, he brought the Queen’s Rangers back to North America. The Rangers helped establish the new province, construct early roads and develop York, the settlement that became Toronto. Their legacy is also connected to the defence of Upper Canada and the military traditions carried forward by later generations.
The Modern Regiment
Service, Tradition and Continuity
The modern Queen’s York Rangers emerged from the development of Ontario’s militia, with a lineage formally beginning in 1866. Over time, the Regiment and its predecessors have been associated with the War of 1812, the North-West Campaign of 1885, the First World War – including Vimy Ridge – and Canadian service in Afghanistan and Latvia.
Today, The Queen’s York Rangers continue to serve in the Canadian Army Reserve while preserving the history and traditions of their predecessors.
Teaching Tools
Exploring Ontario and Canadian History
These teaching tools are intended to help teachers, students and parents explore the history of The Queen’s York Rangers and the wider story of Ontario and Canada.
The Regiment’s history provides opportunities to investigate colonial North America, the American Revolution, the development of Upper Canada, the growth of Toronto, and Canada’s military experiences across different eras. Through historical accounts, lesson plans and classroom activities, educators and students can explore the people, events and institutions that helped shape our country.
We invite educators to explore these resources and discover how the history of one regiment can offer a distinctive perspective on Canada’s past.