An overlooked conflict on Canadian land shortly before Confederation may not resonate widely among Canadians beyond Fort Erie, Ontario, but it holds significant historical importance. 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. This battle also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, an antecedent to Remembrance Day that continues to be observed annually in certain regions of the country.
Despite these historical milestones, the nine individuals who lost their lives in the battle are absent from the Books of Remembrance, a compilation on Parliament Hill commemorating soldiers who perished while serving Canada. A new petition is being prepared for presentation in the House of Commons to advocate for the inclusion of these nine soldiers and the numerous others who died following the battle.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, representing the Niagara South riding encompassing Fort Erie, where the battle unfolded, voiced his support for the petition. Davies emphasized the significance of recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada. The Battle of Ridgeway was not a clear victory for the Canadian forces, as inexperienced volunteers confronted seasoned Fenian raiders, many of whom were veterans of the American Civil War.
Historian Peter Vronsky, author of the book “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion And The 1866 Battle That Made Canada,” highlighted the rapid mobilization of hundreds of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region. However, he noted that the Canadian troops were ill-equipped for what he described as Canada’s inaugural modern battle.
While the Canadians engaged the invaders in combat, they eventually retreated in disarray following a Fenian assault. Nonetheless, the Fenians abandoned their incursion after the battle and retreated to the American side of the Niagara River. Davies stressed that despite the battlefield setback at Ridgeway, the valor of the fallen soldiers should not be diminished.
A memorial honoring the nine fallen soldiers from Ridgeway was erected on the battle’s 150th anniversary in 2016. Efforts have been made by Fort Erie officials to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance, but these attempts have been unsuccessful thus far. The battle’s impact on Confederation was underscored by community leaders and historians, suggesting that it played a role in shaping Canada both legally and sentimentally.
Several regiments that participated in the 1866 battle, such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today. Alexander Muir, renowned for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought in the Battle of Ridgeway and drew inspiration for his patriotic ballad from the events of that day. Vronsky speculated that Muir’s inspiration may have stemmed from the maple leaf emblem of the Queen’s Own Rifles, emphasizing a shift towards Canadian identity and loyalty during the battle.
