Battlefield House Museum & Park, Hamilton

Battlefield House Museum & Park began in 1796 as the home of the Gage family, who were active in the local community. The house stood at the centre of the Battle of Stoney Creek in June 1813 during the War of 1812, and the Gage family sheltered in the cellar as fighting took place nearby. Today, the site spans 32 acres of parkland beneath the Niagara Escarpment.

The battle remains the main event linked to the site. In 1913, a 100-foot monument was built to mark the battle’s 100th anniversary and to honour soldiers from both sides, and it still stands high above the park. The site was managed by the Niagara Parks Commission from 1962 to 1988 and is now operated by the City of Hamilton. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, with tours of the farmhouse and Grandview, and an annual re-enactment of the 1813 battle.

The park also features a public artwork called “The Eagles Among Us” by David M. General. Inspired by Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek traditions, the sculpture reflects themes of healing and reconciliation. Its presence adds another layer of history to a landscape long associated with the War of 1812.