Battle of Ridgeway Heritage Park

Walk the grounds of Battle of Ridgeway Heritage Park, where outdoor interpretive panels guide visitors through the events leading up to the invasion, the local, provincial, and international response, and the legacy of the battle fought here.

Designated a National Historic Site in 1921, the park also features a federal commemorative cairn.

Address: 3408 Garrison Road (Hwy 3), Ridgeway, Ontario

Hours: The outdoor exhibits are open year-round. The paths are not maintained during the winter - visitor discretion is advised.

Events: For information on annual programs and events commemorating the Battle of Ridgeway, watch the Town of Fort Erie's social media pages and community events calendar. 

About the Battle of Ridgeway:

On June 2, 1866, Canadian militia volunteers met Irish nationalists based in the United States, known as Fenians, on this site. Many of the Fenians were veterans of the U.S. Civil War, and their goal was to pressure Britain by holding British North America hostage in support of Irish independence. After crossing the Niagara River on June 1, the invading force fought two battles the next day: first at Ridgeway and then at the Fort Erie Dock. With U.S. forces preventing reinforcements from crossing the river, the Fenians retreated to Buffalo. The events of the Fenian Raid added momentum to Canadian Confederation and underscored the need for a stronger national defence.

Visitors interested in learning more about the Battle of Ridgeway and the Fenian Raid are encouraged to visit the Fort Erie Historical Museum located a short drive down Ridge Road.

About the displays:

Video interview with former Curator of Exhibits - Andrea Wilson when the new interpretive panels were installed in 2013.