The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Military Museum staff invite the public to join them for a dynamic guided 1812 tour of Dundurn National Historic Site for all ages on Jul. 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at 610 York Blvd. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are available online for $30 - price includes a family admission pass for a return visit.

Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle now stands, was occupied by the British military from 1813 through 1815. Participants will uncover the history surrounding the property and discover evidence of military fortifications in Dundurn Park including the rarely-opened Cockpit. The tour concludes with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features.

The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site

Dundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where the Castle now stands, was occupied by the British military from 1813 until 1815. Your journey will begin at The Hamilton Military Museum to uncover the history surrounding the property. Discover evidence of military fortifications as the tour takes you outdoors through key areas in Dundurn Park including the rarely-seen Cockpit. The guided tour concludes with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features that Sir Allan MacNab later incorporated into his well-known home.
Dates: July 28, August 25, September 22
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am
Location: Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd., Hamilton
Ages: 10 years and older
Cost: $20 per person. Pre-registration required. (Includes a family admission pass for a return visit – value: $32)
Contact: 905-546-2872, [email protected], www.hamilton.ca/museumexperiences

“This tour is a staff favourite, as we get to share some of the remarkable military features that hide in plain sight in Dundurn Park. It also includes some rarely-seen historic structures, which is truly a thrill for anyone who loves history.” - Carolyn King, Coordinator, Hamilton Military Museum

Quick facts

• Burlington Heights was an important centre of defense, supply and refuge for thousands of men, women and children connected to the British army, local militia, refugees, and First Nations during the War of 1812.
• On June 5, 1813, American forces marched from Niagara and set up camp at the Gage family homestead (Battlefield House).
• In the early morning hours of June 6, 700 British troops marched from Burlington Heights and defeated 3,000 American soldiers under the cover of darkness.
• Sir Allan MacNab incorporated some of the components of the 1812 fortification when he built his Italianate-style villa in the 1830s.
• This tour contains outdoor components; participants are asked to come dressed for the weather and prepared for walking on uneven terrain.

Additional resources

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/dundurn, email [email protected] or call 905-546-2872.
For the full list of events presented by Hamilton Civic Museums, visit www.hamilton.ca/museumevents 
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