An overlooked clash occurred on Canadian land just before Confederation, may not resonate in the historical memory of Canadians beyond Fort Erie, Ont. However, the Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 holds historical significance. It marked the first occasion Canadian troops, led by Canadian officers, engaged in combat. Additionally, it inspired Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day, still observed in parts of Canada annually.
Despite the significance of the battle, the nine individuals who perished are not included in the Books of Remembrance on Parliament Hill. A new petition, to be presented in the House of Commons, aims to have these nine men, along with those who died following the battle, added to the official list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, who represents the Niagara South riding encompassing Fort Erie, where the battle occurred, expressed the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by those who defended Canada.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a definitive victory for Canada. Inexperienced volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans from the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American movement seeking Irish independence from British rule, attempted to invade and occupy parts of British North America.
In 1866, hundreds of raiders crossed the Niagara River with intentions to attack the Welland Canal but were met by around 800 Canadian volunteers at Limestone Ridge. Historian Peter Vronsky noted the lack of preparation among Canadian troops for what he termed Canada’s first modern battle.
Although the Canadians engaged the raiders in combat, they eventually retreated after a Fenian bayonet charge. However, the Fenians abandoned their incursion and retreated back to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.
Davies emphasized that despite the battlefield defeat at Ridgeway, the sacrifice of those who died should not be diminished. A memorial dedicated to the nine fallen soldiers was erected in 2016, commemorating their bravery.
Efforts have been made to include the names of the fallen soldiers in the Books of Remembrance, as they played a significant role in shaping Canada’s history. The impact of the Battle of Ridgeway on Confederation was acknowledged by various individuals, with Vronsky noting its role in uniting Canadians in defense of their homeland.
The regiments that participated in the 1866 battle, such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today. Alexander Muir, author of “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought in the battle and was inspired to write the patriotic ballad. The battle marked a shift towards Canadians fighting for their own communities and symbols, such as the maple leaf, rather than solely as British colonial subjects.