An obscure clash occurring on Canadian territory just a year before Confederation may not resonate in the historical memory of Canadians beyond the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. However, the Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 holds significance on various historical fronts. It marked the first instance of Canadian troops, under Canadian leadership, engaging in battle. Additionally, it served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed annually in certain regions of the country.
Despite these historical milestones, the nine individuals who perished in the battle are notably absent from the Books of Remembrance, an eight-volume compilation on Parliament Hill commemorating soldiers who lost their lives in service to Canada. A new petition, set to be brought before the House of Commons, aims to include these fallen soldiers, along with the numerous others who died following the battle, in the official list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, championing the petition in Parliament, emphasized the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada. Representing the Niagara South riding, which encompasses Fort Erie, Davies expressed a personal connection to the battle site, underscoring the need for national recognition of this historical event.
The Battle of Ridgeway is not characterized by a resounding Canadian triumph. Inexperienced volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans of the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American movement advocating for Irish independence, sought to achieve their goal by invading and occupying parts of British North America. In 1866, a group of raiders crossed the Niagara River with intentions to target the Welland Canal, only to encounter around 800 Canadian volunteers at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie.
Historian and author Peter Vronsky highlighted the swift mobilization of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region, despite their lack of preparation for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern battle. The Canadian troops faced challenges such as insufficient supplies and ammunition, emphasizing the unpreparedness of their forces.
While the Canadians engaged the invaders in combat, the battle culminated in a disorderly retreat following a Fenian bayonet charge. Nevertheless, the Fenians withdrew from their incursion post-battle, retreating back to the U.S. side of the Niagara River. Davies emphasized that the defeat at Ridgeway does not diminish the valor of those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Canada.
A memorial erected in 2016 commemorates the nine fallen soldiers of Ridgeway. Despite persistent efforts by Fort Erie to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance, all attempts have been unsuccessful thus far. The town’s mayor, Wayne Redekop, stressed the importance of acknowledging the role these individuals played in shaping Canada’s history.
Although predating the official establishment of Canada, the names of soldiers who died before Confederation, including those from the War of 1812, are included in the books of remembrance. Redekop, Davies, and Vronsky suggested that the Battle of Ridgeway had a direct impact on the Confederation process, shaping the nation both on paper and in the hearts of its citizens.
Vronsky noted that regiments involved in the 1866 battle, such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today. He described the battle as a pivotal moment that tested and solidified Canada’s modern armed forces.
Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought with the Queen’s Own Rifles during the Battle of Ridgeway. While some believe Muir drew inspiration from a silver maple tree in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood, Vronsky suggested that the maple leaf forming the regiment’s insignia may have influenced Muir’s patriotic ballad.
In conclusion, the Battle of Ridgeway holds a significant place in Canadian history, symbolizing the transition of Canadians fighting for their homeland rather than as British colonial subjects. It stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Canada against external threats.
