From Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Ridgeway, Ontario. Three years in terms of historical chronology or a pleasant 6 hour spring drive between the two locations. Both battles are inextricably linked.
NORTH AMERICAN FENIAN BROTHERHOOD
The Fenians hatched a wicked plan for the conquest of Canada. They forced young Irish immigrants fresh off the boat to fight in the Union Army thereby acquiring the discipline and military skills of modern warfare. At the end of the American Civil War no fewer than 5 raids were mounted on Canadian soil. Thankfully, all failed.
TAMMANY REGIMENT MEMORIAL, GETTYSBURG
TAMMANY SOCIETY PLAQUE
BATTLE OF RIDGEWAY MEMORIAL, RIDGEWAY, ONTARIO
In 1866, 2000 Fenians crossed over the Niagara River from the Port of Buffalo with the aim of marching to Toronto and holding Canada ransom for the freedom of Ireland. They were met at Ridgeway, Ontario by the Queen’s Own Rifles and other Canadian militia units.
FENIAN RAID MEDALS
A dinner to commemorate the Battle of Ridgeway will be held in Hart House, University of Toronto, on Tuesday, May 28. It’s either be there or be square.