Burlington Heights

Burlington Heights is an elevated peninsula in the Canadian city of Hamilton, rising roughly a hundred meters above the western end of Hamilton Harbour. Geologically, it is a barrier of sand and gravel formed by the glacial Lake Iroquois, separating Cootes Paradise Marsh to the west from the harbor to the east. As early as the late 18th century, the area was an important habitat for the Anishinaabe, especially the Mississaugas, who used its resources seasonally. Today York Boulevard defines the landscape, while to the south extensive parklands surround Dundurn Castle and the large Hamilton Cemetery. North of the castle lies a city park commemorating Sir John Harvey.

The site's historical importance is inextricably tied to the War of 1812, when the British built a strategically important line of defense here. After withdrawing from the Niagara region, British troops were stationed on the grounds in 1813, which had previously been used by Richard Beasley, and launched successful attacks on American units from here. A later American attempt to land failed against the well-fortified positions. Because of this military significance, the southern part of the peninsula was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1929. The grounds later also served as a hospital for immigrants with contagious diseases, before Sir Allan Napier MacNab acquired the property in 1832 and had Dundurn Castle, as it is known today, built on the foundations of the old house.

In the 20th century, the northern part of the peninsula was purchased by the City of Hamilton to beautify the cityscape. The gardens laid out between 1927 and 1932 were incorporated into the Royal Botanical Gardens in 1932, which are now also considered a National Historic Site. These gardens reflect the urban planning movement of the 1930s. Today, visitors experience a blend of historic site and natural recreational landscape that spans everything from the military past to modern garden design.