Garrison Common and the Battle of York
Garrison Common is part of Fort York National Historic Site comprising 17.4 hectares (43 acres) of land. On April 27, 1813, it was part of a larger battlefield after some 2,500 American soldiers, sailors and volunteers attacked York by land and water. Across this ground, American troops advanced on Fort York and the Town of York, which were defended by about 1,000 troops comprising British Regulars, Canadian Militia, First Nations Warriors and civilians. By the end of the battle, U.S. forces suffered 320 dead and wounded while York's casualties numbered about 157.
Garrison Common survives as part of the original 1793 Military Reserve lands cleared for use by the British Army around the fort. As part of a broader fortification system, army engineers created unobstructed defensive fields around forts. In the case of Fort York, "The Common" gave the watchful eyes of the fort's sentries a clear view of the lands west of the fort.
In peacetime, military commons were shared with the civilian population for public gatherings and sporting events. Open, level fields were well-suited to equestrian events and shooting competitions. Bridging the gap between the military and civilians was important in garrison towns like York (Toronto) because of the political, social and economic ties between the two groups.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.