The Ridgeway Battlefield site marks the location where Irish-American veterans of the U.S. Civil War fought Canadian forces in an attempt to gain Ireland's independence of England in June 1866.
The invading force of more than 1,300 met no resistance in crossing the Niagara River on June 1. But two battles were fought the next day. Ten Canadians were killed and 38 wounded near this site, while six were wounded and 36 captured at Fort Erie after the invading force retired back to the river.
A U.S. gunboat prevented reinforcement
by 10,000 waiting to cross to join the invasion and the invading force of
Fenians retreated back to Buffalo.
Designated a national historic site, a commemorative cairn was erected on Highway 3, near Ridge Road, close to the battlefield,and the original cabin at the battle site is maintained by the Fort Erie Museum.
A series of period paintings by Alexander Von Erichsen depicts the events from planning stages to subsequent court trials. They are on display at the Historical Museum and provide a visual account of the Battle of Ridgeway.
The first record of the building dates to 1822 when Zachariah Teal purchased it from John Silverthorn. In 1916 the Roadhouse family bought the house and later donated it to the Bertie Historical Society in 1975. The Town of Fort Erie took over the operation in 1976 with the appointment of a museum board and with assistance from the Ridgeway/Crystal Beach Lions Club, the house was moved to its present location and renovated.
In June 1991, the fields surrounding the Battlefield Museum were the scene of a reenactment of the Battle of Ridgeway. Hundreds of living history volunteers from Canada and the United States recreated battles and encampments for more than 13,000 appreciative visitors.
