An overlooked conflict that occurred on Canadian land just before Confederation might not resonate widely in the memory of Canadians beyond the town of Fort Erie, Ontario, but it holds significant historical significance. The 1866 Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, marked the first instance of a battle fought by Canadian soldiers under Canadian leadership. Additionally, it served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day still observed in certain regions of the country.
Despite these historical milestones, the nine individuals who lost their lives in the battle are notably absent from the Books of Remembrance, a collection on Parliament Hill commemorating soldiers who perished in service to Canada. A new petition is set to be presented in the House of Commons, aiming to include these nine fallen soldiers and the numerous others who died following the battle in the official list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, the advocate behind the petition, emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending Canada. Representing the Niagara South riding, which encompasses Fort Erie where the battle unfolded, Davies expressed a personal connection to the historical site and stressed the need for national recognition of the events that transpired.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a clear victory for Canada, as inexperienced volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, many of whom were seasoned veterans of the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American movement seeking Irish independence from British rule, attempted to invade parts of British North America in exchange for freedom for Ireland.
In response to the raid, around 800 Canadian volunteers from various regiments engaged the raiders at Limestone Ridge, near Ridgeway and Fort Erie. Despite facing challenges such as lack of supplies and inadequate preparation, the Canadian troops engaged in combat with the Fenian invaders. The clash ended with a somewhat disorderly retreat by the Canadians following a Fenian bayonet charge. However, the Fenians withdrew from their incursion post-battle and retreated back to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.
Historian Peter Vronsky, author of “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion And The 1866 Battle That Made Canada,” commended the rapid mobilization of Canadian forces but noted their ill-preparedness for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern battle. He highlighted the valor displayed by those who fought to defend Canada, despite the shortcomings in organization and resources.
A memorial erected in 2016 commemorates the nine soldiers who perished at Ridgeway, underscoring the town of Fort Erie’s longstanding efforts to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance. The battle’s impact on Confederation was also noted, with suggestions that it played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity and unity.
The legacy of the Battle of Ridgeway lives on through regiments like the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, which participated in the historic conflict. The battle marked a significant moment where Canadians fought for their homeland, symbolized by the maple leaf, emphasizing a shift towards a distinct Canadian identity separate from British colonial ties.