An overlooked clash on Canadian land just prior to Confederation may not resonate widely among 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 led by Canadian officers engaging in combat. It also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in some regions annually.
Despite the battle resulting in the death of nine individuals, these fallen soldiers are notably absent from the Books of Remembrance, a collection on Parliament Hill commemorating those who perished in service to Canada. A new petition is being introduced in the House of Commons with the objective of adding these nine men and the numerous others who lost their lives in the aftermath of the battle to the list.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, sponsoring the petition in Parliament, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada. The Battle of Ridgeway was a significant event where inexperienced volunteers confronted Fenian raiders, mostly American Civil War veterans associated with the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish American movement advocating for Irish independence from British rule through incursions into British North America.
In 1866, hundreds of raiders crossed the Niagara River, aiming to attack the Welland Canal, and encountered around 800 Canadian volunteers at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie. Despite facing challenges such as lack of provisions and inadequate preparation, the Canadian troops engaged the invaders, leading to a battlefield defeat but ultimately thwarting the Fenian incursion.
The battle, though not a clear victory for Canada, played a pivotal role in thwarting the Fenians’ campaign, signifying a triumph in turning them back. Davies emphasized that the bravery and sacrifice of those who perished should not be overshadowed by the defeat on the battlefield.
A memorial erected in 2016 commemorates the nine soldiers who died during the Battle of Ridgeway, yet efforts to include their names in the Books of Remembrance have been unsuccessful so far. The battle’s impact on Confederation and the formation of modern armed forces was highlighted by various individuals involved in the historical narrative. Notably, regiments such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, which participated in the 1866 battle, continue to exist today.
The legacy of the Battle of Ridgeway remains intertwined with Canadian history, symbolizing a turning point where Canadians fought for their local communities and identity. Alexander Muir, the composer of “The Maple Leaf Forever,” drew inspiration from the battle, reflecting a shift towards Canadian patriotism and allegiance to the maple leaf emblem.
