An overlooked clash on Canadian territory just before Confederation may not resonate widely with Canadians beyond Fort Erie, Ont., but it holds significant historical significance. The Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 marked the first instance of Canadian troops commanded by Canadian officers engaging in combat. This event also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in some regions annually.
Despite its historical importance, the nine individuals who lost their lives in the battle are not included in the Books of Remembrance, a collection on Parliament Hill commemorating soldiers who perished in service to Canada. A new petition to be presented in the House of Commons aims to have these nine individuals and the numerous others who died in the aftermath of the battle recognized in the official list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, who represents the Niagara South riding encompassing Fort Erie, where the battle unfolded, is leading the petition. Davies emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a definitive victory for Canada, as inexperienced volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans of the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American group seeking Irish independence from British rule, attempted to invade and occupy parts of British North America in exchange for Irish autonomy.
In 1866, hundreds of raiders crossed the Niagara River with the intention of targeting the Welland Canal, encountering approximately 800 Canadian volunteers from various regiments at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie. Historian Peter Vronsky, author of “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion And The 1866 Battle That Made Canada,” highlighted the rapid mobilization of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region but noted the inadequate preparation of the Canadian forces for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern battle.
The engagement saw the Canadians engaging the invaders in combat, but they eventually dispersed following a chaotic retreat prompted by a Fenian bayonet charge. Despite the battlefield setback, the Fenians withdrew after the clash and retreated to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.
While acknowledging the defeat at Ridgeway, Davies underscored the valor of those who laid down their lives defending Canada. He stressed the significance of honoring their memory, irrespective of the outcome of the battle.
A commemorative site dedicated to the nine fallen soldiers was established in 2016 on the battle’s 150th anniversary. Efforts by Fort Erie to have the names of these individuals included in the Books of Remembrance have been unsuccessful to date.
The battle, though predating the formal establishment of Canada, is not an anomaly in the Books of Remembrance, which includes soldiers who perished before Confederation, such as during the War of 1812. The battle’s impact on Confederation is also noted by various stakeholders, suggesting its role in shaping the nation’s identity.
Vronsky pointed out that regiments involved in the 1866 battle, like the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today, underscoring the foundational role the clash played in shaping modern armed forces.
Alexander Muir, the composer of “The Maple Leaf Forever,” wrote the patriotic ballad after participating in the Battle of Ridgeway. While the inspiration behind the song’s lyrics is debated, Vronsky suggested that Muir’s affiliation with the Queen’s Own Rifles during the battle may have influenced his composition.
In summary, the Battle of Ridgeway may not be widely recognized, but its impact on Canada’s history and identity is profound, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards nationhood and self-determination.