The first interment in the Drummond Hill Cemetery took place in 1799. John Burch, who was originally buried in his family's lot in 1797, was re-interred in this cemetery. The early cemetery consisted of a few grave markers at the top of the hill on land donated by the Buchner family.

This cemetery was also where the fiercest fighting of the War of 1812 took place – the name "Drummond Hill Cemetery" was given in recognition of Lt. Drummond who commanded the British soldiers during the Battle of Lundy's Lane. Later, it was declared a National Historic Site. One of Canada's most beloved heroes and icons, Laura Secord is buried here near the large Soldiers' Monument.

The Cemetery was acquired by the Niagara Parks Commission in 1910 and was transferred to the City of Niagara Falls in 1996 – it is a semi-active cemetery (which means that burials can still occur but plots are no longer for sale).