Battle of Ridgeway Heritage Park

Address: 3408 Garrison Road, Ridgeway, Ontario

Contact Number: 905-894-5322

Hours: The outdoor exhibits are open year-round.

About: Outdoor interpretive panels at this National Historic Site share the story of the Fenian Raid in Ridgeway including the reasons for the invasion, the local, provincial and international response, and the outcome.

History: The Battle of Ridgeway took place on this site on June 2, 1866, between Canadian militia volunteers and Irish nationalists based in the United States called Fenians. The Fenians were also veterans of the U.S. Civil War. The Fenians' goal was to hold British North America hostage and negotiate for Ireland's independence from Great Britain.The invading force of more than 1,300 met no resistance in crossing the Niagara River on June 1. Two battles were fought the following day. The Battle of Ridgeway was the first, followed by the Battle at the Fort Erie Dock. A U.S. gunboat prevented reinforcements from crossing the river and as a result, the invading force of Fenians retreated back to Buffalo. These battles provided additional impetus for the Confederation of Canada and highlighted the need for a stronger national defense.

In 1921 the Ridgeway Battlefield was designated a National Historic Site. A Federal commemorative cairn is also located within this park.

If you want to learn more about the Battle of Ridgeway or the Fenian Raid, please visit the Fort Erie Historical Museum. Items on exhibition include a unique series of period watercolour paintings by Alexander von Erichsen. They depict the events of the Fenian Raid from the planning stages to the return of the wounded.