The Longwoods Road was originally an aboriginal trail through the Long Woods. It was used by early settlers as a path from Delaware to McGregor's Creek (Chatham). It was improved during the War of 1812 for the transportation of military weapons and stores and was a continuation of the Commissioners' Road. The road was formerly Highway 2 until the Ontario government decided to confuse the driving population by doing away with King's Highways. The road was used as a line of retreat for the British forces under Brigadier Procter as they tried to escape from the invading American forces under Major General Harrison. Two battles of the War of 1812 were fought near the road: the Battle of the Thames and the Battle of the Longwoods.