One of the first houses to be built in Stoney Creek, Battlefield House was the home of the Gage family from 1796 until 1835. During these settlement years of the early 19th century, James and Mary Gage cleared and worked the land with their ten children and became well-known for their warm hospitality. The War of 1812 had a direct impact on the Gage family as they found themselves confined to their home when American soldiers occupied their land when a battle broke out during the early morning hours of June 6, 1813. The resulting British victory at the Battle of Stoney Creek was crucial in helping to prevent the Americans from seizing Upper Canada. Less than one hundred years later, in 1899, Sara Calder, grand-daughter of James and Mary Gage and first president of the Women's Wentworth Historical Society, led the purchase and preservation of the homestead. Further recognition of the significant event that took place on this property came in the year 1913, when the 100-foot tall Battlefield Monument was opened, standing as a symbol of peace and commemorating those soldiers who died at the Battle of Stoney Creek.