An unfamiliar clash occurred on Canadian territory a year before Confederation, which may not resonate widely in Canadian historical memory except among Fort Erie residents. The 1866 Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, marked the first instance of Canadian troops led by Canadian officers engaging in combat. Additionally, it served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in some parts of Canada annually.
Despite these historical significance, the nine individuals who perished in the battle are not included in the Books of Remembrance, a compilation on Parliament Hill commemorating soldiers who died in service to Canada. A new petition, championed by Conservative MP Fred Davies, aims to have these nine men and the numerous others who lost their lives post-battle added to the list.
Davies, representing the Niagara South riding that encompasses Fort Erie, where the battle unfolded, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Canada. The Battle of Ridgeway, characterized by a confrontation between inexperienced Canadian volunteers and seasoned Fenian raiders, highlighted the Fenian Brotherhood’s mission for Irish independence from British rule through incursions into British North America.
Historian Peter Vronsky, author of “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion And The 1866 Battle That Made Canada,” acknowledged the swift mobilization of Canadian volunteers but underscored their lack of preparation for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern battle. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate provisions and ammunition shortages, the Canadians engaged the Fenian raiders, ultimately prompting the invaders to retreat back across the Niagara River.
While the Battle of Ridgeway ended in a tactical setback for the Canadians, Davies emphasized that the bravery and commitment of those who perished should not be discounted. A memorial honoring the nine fallen soldiers was erected in 2016, yet efforts to include their names in the Books of Remembrance have been unsuccessful so far.
The battle’s impact on Confederation was noted by Redekop, Davies, and Vronsky, with Vronsky suggesting that it played a pivotal role in shaping the idea of Canada. Several regiments involved in the 1866 battle, such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today, symbolizing the evolution of Canada’s armed forces.
Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought in the Battle of Ridgeway and drew inspiration for his patriotic ballad from a silver maple tree in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood. Vronsky proposed that Muir’s inspiration could also stem from the maple leaf emblem of the Queen’s Own Rifles, highlighting a significant shift where Canadians fought for their homeland first and allegiance to the Crown second.
