Battlefield House (Stoney Creek, Ontario)

Battlefield House
Map
Established1962
LocationStoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
TypeNational Historic Site of Canada
WebsiteOfficial site

Battlefield House near King Street East and Centennial Parkway in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is a living history museum and site of the historic Battle of Stoney Creek on June 6, 1813, which was fought during the War of 1812. It was built in 1796. The house and 15.5 acres (6.3 ha) of parkland (Battlefield Park), were the property of the Women's Wentworth Historical Society, (1899-1962), and given by this society to the Niagara Parks Commission on January 19, 1962.[1] The park was designated a National Historic Site in 1960.[2]

Nestled under the Niagara Escarpment, this historic site is located on 32 acres (12.9 ha) of park land linked to the Bruce Trail. Also located on the property are the Battlefield Monument and the Grandview (Nash-Jackson House) building. Smith's Knoll Cemetery is also nearby, across King Street East from the park. During the first weekend in June, a re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek is held with re-enactors in full regalia, representing both the British and American sides. The 2016 event was the 35th such re-enactment.[3]

The re-enactments scheduled for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic. In mid-May 2022 it was revealed that the upcoming re-enactment would also be cancelled due to "uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions" and construction taking place at Battlefield House, but would return in 2023.[4] However, at a meeting held on May 19, it was revealed that the re-enactment would be "permanently" cancelled. Friends of Battlefield Museum withdrew its support for the museum following the meeting.[5]

British units made a night attack on an American encampment. Due in large part to the capture of both American brigadier generals, and an overestimation of British strength by the Americans, the battle was a victory for the British, and a turning point in the defence of Upper Canada.[1]

War of 1812 Re-enactment, Stoney Creek, Ontario, an annual event (June) at Battlefield House

The museum is affiliated with: CMA, CHIN, and Virtual Museum of Canada.

  • Battle of Stoney Creek
    Battle of Stoney Creek
  • Stoney Creek Battlefield House
    Stoney Creek Battlefield House
  • Battlefield Park Entrance
    Battlefield Park Entrance
  • Re-enactors (in UK uniforms) fire muskets toward the "Americans" in annual commemorations
    Re-enactors (in UK uniforms) fire muskets toward the "Americans" in annual commemorations
  • Battlefield House in Stoney Creek, 1959
    Battlefield House in Stoney Creek, 1959
  • Battlefield House in Stoney Creek, 1959
    Battlefield House in Stoney Creek, 1959
  1. ^ a b "Battlefield House Museum - Billy Green, the Scout". Archived from the original on 2008-01-30. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  2. ^ Battle of Stoney Creek National Historic Site of Canada. Canadian Register of Historic Places.
  3. ^ Lennie, Laura (May 27, 2015). "Annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek just around the corner". Hamilton News. Metroland (a division of the Toronto Star). Retrieved June 5, 2016. Each year, we strive to ensure that the re-enactment is an event that not only commemorates what occurred at the site over 200 years ago, but also provides historical information related to what was occurring around the world in the early 19th century," Ramsay said. Hundreds of re-enactors ... participate ...
  4. ^ "Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek remains on hiatus for 2022". The Hamilton Spectator. 13 May 2022.
  5. ^ "City blasted for scrapping Battle of Stoney Creek re-enactments". The Hamilton Spectator. 3 June 2022.