A little-known skirmish that occurred on Canadian territory just before the formation of the country may not resonate widely with Canadians beyond the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. Nevertheless, the Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 holds significance in Canadian history as it marked the first battle fought by Canadian soldiers under Canadian leadership. This event also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day, still commemorated in certain regions annually.
Despite its historical importance, the nine individuals who lost their lives in the battle are not included in the Books of Remembrance, a collection on Parliament Hill listing the names of fallen soldiers who served Canada. A new petition is being introduced in the House of Commons to advocate for the inclusion of these nine soldiers and the numerous others who perished in the aftermath of the battle.
Conservative MP Fred Davies, representing the Niagara South riding which encompasses Fort Erie, where the battle occurred, is spearheading the petition. Davies emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada. The Battle of Ridgeway was not a clear victory for the Canadians, as inexperienced volunteers faced off against 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,” commended the swift mobilization of hundreds of Canadian volunteers from the Golden Horseshoe region. However, he noted the lack of preparedness of the Canadian troops for what he described as Canada’s first modern battle.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate supplies and ammunition shortages, the Canadian forces engaged the invaders in combat. The Canadians ultimately retreated in disarray following a Fenian bayonet charge, prompting the Fenians to abandon their incursion and retreat back across the Niagara River to the U.S. side.
Davies emphasized that while the Battle of Ridgeway ended in defeat on the battlefield, it does not diminish the valor of those who fought to protect Canada from invasion. A memorial honoring the nine fallen soldiers was erected in 2016, yet efforts to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance have been unsuccessful thus far.
The battle, occurring before the official establishment of Canada, is still considered significant in the country’s history. The impact of the Battle of Ridgeway on Confederation is acknowledged by local leaders and historians, who believe it played a role in unifying the nation. 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 with the Queen’s Own Rifles in the Battle of Ridgeway. It is speculated that his inspiration for the patriotic ballad stemmed from a silver maple tree in Toronto. Vronsky suggests that Muir’s motivation could have also been influenced by the maple leaf emblem of the Queen’s Own Rifles, highlighting a shift towards Canadians fighting for their own communities rather than solely as British subjects.
In conclusion, the Battle of Ridgeway, though not widely recognized, holds a significant place in Canadian history, serving as a pivotal event in the country’s military narrative and the journey towards Confederation.