Drummond Hill Cemetery

Drummond Hill Cemetery is a place of deep history and reflection. This nationally recognized heritage site holds stories of bravery, sacrifice, and community. It is best known as the battleground of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and the final resting place of Canadian legend Laura Secord and other notable figures.


Location and history

  • Location: 6110 Lundy’s Lane (access via Buchner Place off Drummond Road)
  • Size: 4 acres
  • Genealogy records: Visit our Genealogy and Family Search webpage for burial information

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History

The cemetery dates back to 1799 when Christopher Buchner purchased 400 acres of land from his father-in-law, James Forsythe. He set aside the top of the hill as a burial ground. The first recorded burial was John Burch in 1799, after his remains were moved from his farm, where he was originally buried in 1797.

In 1814, this peaceful resting place became the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812—the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. The area was later named Drummond Hill in honour of General Drummond, who led the defence against American forces.

For over a century, William Dalton worked as a sexton for various cemeteries in the area. His journals (1845–1916) offer valuable insights into local genealogy, though they do not always specify exact burial locations.

The Niagara Parks Commission took over the cemetery’s care in 1910, and in 1996, the City of Niagara Falls assumed responsibility for its upkeep.

Notable figures

Burr Plato was one of the outstanding citizens of early Niagara Falls. 

General Gordon Drummond is a national historic figure. In July 1814, he checked the American advance at Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls. Drummond was knighted in 1815 and named Administrator of Lower Canada, a post he held until 1816.

More history: View the webpage for the Niagara Falls Museum – Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

Karel Soucek was a daredevil who, in 1984, plunged over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in a barrel and survived.

Genealogy: View the genealogy information for Karel Soucek’s burial.

Laura Secord, one of Canada’s most famous heroines, is buried here. During the War of 1812, she made a daring 20-mile journey on foot to warn the British of an impending American attack. Her bravery is honoured with a monument at her gravesite.

Ruth Redmond was a teacher at Stamford Collegiate. She dedicated her time to protecting historic ground, specifically the Lundy’s Lane Battlefield, from commercial development. Her property was part of the Lundy’s Lane Battleground from the War of 1812. She dedicated 1.5 acres to the City of Niagara Falls to conserve the property's heritage character and develop a park. Her cremated remains are resting here in her beloved Shangri-La gardens.

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada
905-356-7521
service@niagarafalls.ca