An overlooked clash that occurred on Canadian territory a year before Confederation may not resonate widely with Canadians beyond Fort Erie, Ontario, but it holds significant historical significance. The Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 marked the first instance of Canadian troops led by Canadian officers engaging in combat. Additionally, it served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, an antecedent to Remembrance Day still commemorated annually in some regions of the country.
Despite these historical milestones, the nine individuals who perished in the battle are notably absent from the Books of Remembrance, a collection on Parliament Hill cataloging the names of soldiers who lost their lives serving Canada. A new petition slated for presentation in the House of Commons aims to include these nine fallen soldiers and the numerous others who died in the aftermath of the battle on the list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, who is championing the petition in Parliament, emphasized the importance of Canada acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice in its defense. Representing the Niagara South riding, which encompasses Fort Erie where the battle unfolded, Davies expressed the personal significance of seeking national recognition for this historical event.
The Battle of Ridgeway was not a resounding 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 movement advocating for Irish independence from British rule, sought to achieve this goal by invading and occupying parts of British North America. In 1866, a group of raiders crossed the Niagara River with intentions to attack the Welland Canal but were met by around 800 Canadian volunteers at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie.
Historian and author Peter Vronsky highlighted the rapid mobilization of hundreds of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region for this battle, underscoring their lack of preparedness for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern conflict. Despite facing challenges such as shortages of provisions and ammunition, the Canadian troops engaged the invaders in combat. Following a Fenian bayonet charge, the Canadians retreated somewhat chaotically, prompting the Fenians to abandon their incursion and retreat to the U.S. side of the Niagara River.
While acknowledging the battlefield defeat at Ridgeway, Davies stressed that it does not diminish the valor of those who gave their lives defending Canada. He emphasized the importance of recognizing their sacrifice, irrespective of the battle’s outcome.
A tribute site honoring the nine fallen soldiers from Ridgeway was erected in 2016, marking the 150th anniversary of the battle. Despite longstanding efforts by Fort Erie to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance, these endeavors have been unsuccessful to date. The town’s mayor, Wayne Redekop, highlighted the pivotal role these individuals played in shaping Canada’s history and urged for their overdue recognition.
Although the battle predates the official formation of Canada, the Books of Remembrance feature soldiers whose deaths predate Confederation, including those from the War of 1812. Redekop, Davies, and Vronsky suggested that the Battle of Ridgeway had a direct influence on Confederation, prompting hesitant individuals to align with the idea.
Vronsky speculated that Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” drew inspiration from the Queen’s Own Rifles insignia, embodying a shift towards Canadians fighting for their local communities rather than solely as British colonial subjects during the Battle of Ridgeway.
