An overlooked skirmish on Canadian land just before Confederation may not resonate widely in Canadian historical memory beyond Fort Erie, Ont., but it holds significance on various historical fronts. The Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 marked the first instance of Canadian troops led by Canadian officers engaging in battle. Additionally, it served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day still observed in certain regions annually. Despite this, the nine individuals who perished in the conflict are notably absent from the Books of Remembrance, a compilation on Parliament Hill memorializing soldiers who died in service to Canada.
A new petition slated for presentation in the House of Commons aims to include these nine fallen individuals, along with numerous others who lost their lives in the aftermath of the battle, in the official list. Conservative MP Fred Davies, the sponsor of the petition, emphasized the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a clear-cut victory for Canada. The clash pitted inexperienced volunteers against Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans of the American Civil War. The Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American group, sought Irish independence from British rule by invading and occupying parts of British North America to leverage them for Ireland’s freedom.
In 1866, hundreds of raiders crossed the Niagara River with intentions to attack the Welland Canal but encountered around 800 Canadian volunteers from various regiments at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie. Historian Peter Vronsky noted the rapid mobilization of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region but highlighted the ill-preparedness of the Canadian forces for what he termed Canada’s inaugural modern battle.
The Canadian troops faced shortages of essential supplies like food, water, and ammunition, and some even lacked proper footwear. Despite engaging the invaders in combat, the Canadians eventually dispersed during a chaotic retreat following a Fenian bayonet assault. Nevertheless, the Fenians abandoned their incursion post-battle and retreated back to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.
While the Battle of Ridgeway ended in a battlefield defeat, it symbolized a turning point by repelling the Fenian invasion. Davies underscored that the sacrifices of those who perished should not be diminished by the outcome of the battle.
A monument commemorating the nine fallen soldiers from Ridgeway was established in 2016, marking the 150th anniversary of the battle. However, efforts to have their names included in the Books of Remembrance have so far been unsuccessful, despite lobbying by Fort Erie officials.
Although predating the establishment of Canada as a nation, the Books of Remembrance acknowledge soldiers who died before Confederation, such as in the War of 1812. The Battle of Ridgeway’s impact on Confederation was highlighted by various individuals, suggesting its role in shaping Canada’s identity.
Several regiments that participated in the 1866 battle, including the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today. Vronsky emphasized that the battle served as a pivotal moment in the development of Canada’s modern armed forces.
Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought in the Battle of Ridgeway and drew inspiration from his experiences for the patriotic song. While it is believed that Muir was inspired by a silver maple tree in Toronto, Vronsky theorizes that the maple leaf in the Queen’s Own Rifles insignia, the regiment Muir fought with, may have influenced his composition.
The Battle of Ridgeway marked a shift in Canadians fighting not just for the Crown but for their communities, symbolized by the maple leaf, signifying a newfound sense of national identity and allegiance.