An obscure skirmish on Canadian land just a year before Confederation holds historical significance that may not resonate beyond the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. The Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, in 1866 marked the first instance of Canadian troops under Canadian command engaging in combat. This battle also inspired Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in some parts of Canada annually.
Despite the battle’s importance, the names of the nine fallen soldiers are absent from the Books of Remembrance on Parliament Hill. A new petition, initiated by Conservative MP Fred Davies, aims to include these nine individuals and others who perished in the aftermath of the battle in the official list.
Davies, representing the Niagara South riding encompassing Fort Erie, where the battle occurred, emphasized the need for national recognition of the fallen soldiers. The Battle of Ridgeway pitted inexperienced Canadian volunteers against seasoned Fenian raiders, former veterans of the American Civil War.
Historian Peter Vronsky highlighted the rapid mobilization of hundreds of Canadians from the Golden Horseshoe region but noted the unpreparedness of the Canadian troops for what he called Canada’s inaugural modern battle. Despite facing challenges like lack of supplies and proper equipment, the Canadians engaged the invaders, albeit retreating chaotically following a Fenian assault.
Although the battle resulted in a tactical defeat, it thwarted the Fenians’ incursion, forcing them to retreat back to the U.S. side of the Niagara River. Davies stressed that while the battle may have been lost, the sacrifice of those who perished in defense of Canada should be duly acknowledged.
In 2016, a memorial honoring the nine fallen soldiers was erected, yet their names remain absent from the Books of Remembrance, sparking ongoing advocacy from Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop. The battle’s impact on Canadian history and its role in shaping Confederation were underscored by Redekop, Davies, and Vronsky.
Notably, 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 is believed to have drawn inspiration for his ballad from the silver maple leaves in Toronto’s Leslieville neighborhood.
Vronsky suggested that Muir’s inspiration might have stemmed from the maple leaf emblem of the Queen’s Own Rifles, emphasizing the transition of Canadians from colonial subjects to defenders of their own communities. The Battle of Ridgeway holds a significant place in Canadian history as it marked the beginning of Canadians fighting for their homeland before allegiance to the British Crown.