On February 26, 1838, the frozen ice of Lake Erie allowed 300 Canadian and American Patriots under the command of Major Lester Hoadley to take Pelee Island at the western end of the lake.
The freezing of Lake Erie on February 26, 1838, facilitated a successful invasion by 300 Canadian and American patriots led by Major Lester Hoadley, who seized control of Pelee Island at the lake's western terminus.