Fenian Brotherhood invasion of Canada commemorated in Buffalo, New York

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KERRY O'SHEA,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

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Monument to the Fenian Brotherhood in Buffalo, NY

Photo by Google Images

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WKBW News writes of the 1866 Fenian Invasion: “Between 500‐800 members of the Fenian Brotherhood gathered in the Old First Ward, and on June 1, they launched their invasion of Canada from the Pratt Iron Works, which is now known as Tow Path Park. The outnumbered Fenians defeated the Crown forces at the Battle of Ridgeway. However, still reeling from the wounds and hardships of the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson sent Generals Grant and Meade to call the Fenians back from the invasion in order to avoid an international conflict.”

At the memorial’s dedication, Senator Kennedy was joined by NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Congressman Brian Higgins, Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder and Assemblyman Sean Ryan, as well as community leaders and members of Irish-American cultural groups.

“This monument honors the dedication and resolve of the Irish-Americans who fought bravely for both the Union Army, and on behalf of their motherland of Ireland,” said Comptroller Schroeder. “The Fenian Invasion showed that no matter how far away the Irish are from Ireland, their hearts and minds will always be devoted to the Emerald Isle.”

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