160th anniversary of Battle of Ridgeway to be commemorated

This year marks 160 years since a little-known battle took place in Ridgeway that helped lead to Canada’s confederation.

“It’s not only an important battle for local history,” said Fort Erie Museums curator Nicole Komar, “but it’s also a big moment in Canadian history.”

On June 1 and 2, 1866, Canadian forces defended our borders from U.S. Civil War Irish-American fighters called the Fenians. This group was fighting to gain independence from the British, but it ended up leading to Canada’s independence instead.

Because of how the Canadian forces responded when the British couldn’t make it in time to defend the borders, Komar said it was an opportunity to prove why Canada needed to be its own country.

Given the importance of the battle, why it’s not better known has “always been a mystery” to Komar.

She doesn’t recall learning about it in school and suspects it gets overshadowed by larger historical events.

“People remember (the world wars and the War of 1812) over something that took place over a couple of days in a particular area,” she said.

Nevertheless, Fort Erie Museums, Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry will celebrate this 160th anniversary in a ceremony on Sunday at the battlefield monument, located at 3408 Garrison Road in Ridgeway.

Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry–known then as Hamilton’s 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia–were among those who fought in the Battle of Ridgeway.

Komar said members of those associations reached out to organize the commemoration ceremony. “It’ll be a simple ceremony to remember the battle and remember the soldiers who fought and died for our country.”

The mayor, councillors and some historical groups will also participate. Starting at 11 a.m., there will be speeches, a sermon for the fallen soldiers, a salute, a new bench unveiling, as well as a wreath laying.

Because of the site’s parking restrictions, the commemoration is an invite-only event.

“Because it’s not a milestone anniversary, we’re keeping it to the military groups involved,” Komar said, adding that they’re planning something bigger for the 175th anniversary.

Members of the public who have an interest in attending Sunday’s ceremony, are welcome to call the Fort Erie Historical Museum at (905) 894-5322 to see if there’s space, she said.

Otherwise, she encourages residents to visit the battlefield site over the summer, to walk the footsteps of those who fought, and learn about the battle from the plaques, monuments and artifacts on display in the museum (located at 402 Ridge Road North).

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