Love some good old Canadian history? Well, you can step back in time to the 1800s at the Battlefield House Museum and Park in Ontario. It is a fascinating National Historic Site just one hour from Toronto. Here’s what to know.
You’ll find this bit of history under the majestic Niagara Escarpment. The Battlefield House is exactly as the name suggests — it’s located on a historic battleground.
According to the City of Hamilton, the grounds are comprised of two historic homes, a 100-foot-high Monument, an Indigenous art installation, and 32 acres of parkland divided by a creek.
The 19th-century homestead is where the Battle of Stoney Creek took place, which was considered a “turning point in the War of 1812,” says the city site
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As for the jaw-dropping 100-foot-high monument, it was first unveiled on the centennial of the Battle of Stoney Creek on June 6, 1913.
In a remarkable gesture, Queen Mary herself, all the way in London, played a role in the monument’s inauguration through a transatlantic telegraph cable, according to the City of Hamilton.
“It was the brainchild of the Women’s Wentworth Historical Society under the leadership of Sara Calder,” shares the city.
“Designed by the architectural firm of F. J. Rastrick and Sons, the monument stands 100 feet tall to commemorate a century of peace between Britain and the United States.”
And as previously mentioned, here’s you’ll also find the what’s now known as ‘Battlefield House’. The Gage family resided in this home since 1796, and played a crucial role in the hamlet of Stoney Creek.
Their house was a bustling hub for farmers, preachers, and Indigenous peoples who gathered to trade and connect.
History buffs will not want to miss the opportunity to witness a re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek which occurs on special dates.
As part of the re-enactment, there are period games, historical food, thrilling demonstrations, traditional music, and even fireworks.
For those interested in Indigenous culture, there’s a narrated ‘Great Peace Game’ of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse and captivating performances by Indigenous singers and dancers.
So, if you’re looking for an off-beat day trip activity, it’s time to step into the past at this fascinating historic site.
We know we will!
Battlefield House Museum and Park
When: Daily from 12 PM to 4 PM (closed Mondays) Tour Times at 12:10 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM
Where: 7 King Street West, Stoney Creek
