This memorial was constructed in 1908 at Smith's Knoll to mark the last resting place of soldiers killed in the Battle of Stoney Creek, on June 16, 1813. Every year, beginning on June 6th, 1909, there has been a memorial service on the nearest Sunday dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Battle of 1813. During the annual parade on June 6th, 1926, a gift was received by the National Society of United States Daughters of 1812. They presented a bronze tablet in honour of the unknown Americans who had died there. Another plaque was placed on the monument in 1947. The monument is owned by Her Majesty's Army and the Navy Veterans' Society. It stands in Stoney Creek as a reminder of this important chapter in history.
On June 5, 1813, an invading United States army of about 3,000 men, commanded by Brigadier-General John Chandler, camped in this vicinity. That evening some 700 British regulars of the 8th and 49th Regiments, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Harvey, left their encampment on Burlington Heights to attack the enemy. The assault was launched early the following morning under cover of darkness. In the fierce fighting which followed, heavy losses were suffered on both sides, but the Americans were defeated and withdrew after their senior officers, Brigadier-Generals Chandler and Winder, were captured. This victory is credited with preventing Upper Canada from being overrun in 1813.
The memorial itself consists of a small burying ground known as Smith's Knoll, where the remains of soldiers from both sides were laid to rest. The stone cairn with a Union Jack flag design marks the main memorial, flanked by cannons and topped by a majestic lion. This cairn was erected in 1909 and re-plaqued several times, the latest being 1956.
