In 1857 Irish Americans organized together to help free Ireland from Britain. By the end of the Civil War there were over 10 000 individuals in the organization, called the Fenian Movement. The Fenians’ plan was to attack colonies in North America, which would force Britain to send troops, weakening her defenses in Ireland.
In April 1860 the first Fenian raid occurred in New Brunswick. The next attack was in the Niagara area of Ontario in 1866. At the Battle of Ridgeway, the Fenians were victorious. One month later they attacked Canada East at Missisquoi but were defeated.
For the next few years the Fenians attempted to regroup and in 1870 they attacked Quebec. A final raid was planned for Manitoba in efforts to unite the unhappy Metis with the Fenians. American authorities blocked this last attempt.
Read more about the Fenian Raids at the National Library of Canada
Choose from List Of Officers Of The Sedentary Militia Of Lower Canada, 1862 ~ Canada, Fenian Raids Bounty Applications, 1866-1871 ~ Battles ~ Muster Rolls ~ Photos