Burlington Heights was the scene of a British army encampment from 1813 through 1815. They initially retreated here after losing the Battle of Fort George in today’s Niagara-on-the-Lake. Although a typical fort was never constructed, the soldiers created earthen defenses with cannons along the South Battery. This is now the location of the Hamilton Military Museum. Exhibits cover five wars from 1812 through WWII. The museum at Dundurn Park is housed inside Battery Lodge built by Sir Allan MacNab in the 1830s. The only major offensive conducted by these soldiers occurred on June 6, 1813. Under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Harvey, they launched a nighttime attack against Americans occupying the Gage family homestead. The British victory was a pivotal point during the War of 1812 in Upper Canada. You can see enactments of the Battle of Stoney Creek at Battlefield House Museum and Park in Stoney Creek about 15 miles away.
