In July 1814, 3500 American troops under Brigadier General Winfield Scott crossed the Niagara River and marched on Fort Erie, located a little south of the present town. Another 100 troops under Brigadier General Peter Porter approached the fort from the south. Major Thomas Buck, in command at the fort had only 137 men and realized he could not hold the Americans up, so he fired a few rounds "for the honour of the flag" and surrendered. The American troops then went on to fight the Battles of Chippawa and Lundy's Lane.

After the Battle of Lundy's Lane, the American forces retreated to Fort Erie, pursued by the British under General Drummond. Despite great efforts and heavy losses, the British were unable to dislodge the Americans and, in September, Drummond called off the siege to retreat to Burlington Heights. The following November, the Americans destroyed the fort and returned home.