New monument commemorates the 1866 Fenian invasion of Canada

the fenian invasion demonstrated how stupid and theologically ignorant some people are to think it's ok to kill masses for freedom and /or democracy--it's not--do u think God is for democracy?? and he wants us to kill for it----i'm irish; the irish revolution of 1916 was wrong--i'm american;the american rev was wrong-i'm not one of those who lie to themselves

It is the firm will of the Irish Nation, in harmony and friendship, to unite all the people who share the territory of the island of Ireland, in all the diversity of their identities and traditions, recognising that a united Ireland shall be brought about only by peaceful means with the consent of a majority of the people, democratically expressed, in both jurisdictions in the island. (Irish Constitution Art 3 - as amended)

Fair play to 'em! You'll never beat the Irish! Tiocfaidh ar la (phon. chuckie or law)/Our day will come! "The fools. The fools. The fools. They have left us our Fenian dead. And while Ireland holds these graves Ireland, unfree, will never be at peace!" Comdt. P. H. Pearse, BA. BL. Graveside oration for deceased Fenian, O'Donovan-Rossa.

Sorry IC but I think your researchers screwed up again.As the uniforms show ,THis is a photo of British (Canadian?)soldiers.The Fenians who invaded Canada in 1866 wore civilian clothes or a mixture of ex Union Civil War uniforms

About 55 years ago I was in Niagara Falls with my Uncle and he took us up river from the Falls on the Canadian side. There was a monument on the Canadian side across Niagara River from Buffalo commemorating the Canadian troops and their "victory" over the Fenians. Even though the monument was to the Canadians, we were proud of the mention of Fenians.

I think a statue of Che Guevara Lynch would be in order to commemerate the spirit of these bold men...

The U.S. gov't were aware of the Fenians' plans for incursions into Canada but at first did nothing to stop then. U.S. politicians in high places had hoped to include Canada in the Union as far back as the early stages of the Revolutionary War, when an army of Contintal trops set out to capture Montreal. This force was led by General Richard Montgomery, a native of Swords, Dublin, who was killed on the mission. The Dubliner was the first American general to fall in that war. Almost a century later, on 12 June, 1866, the "New York Herald" stated the Britain would have been driven out os all North America if the U.S. gov't hadn't restrained the Fenians, and that Canada's annexation to the U.S. was inevitable.

Located at the Niagara River, 10 miles from the Falls. Worth the stop for all Irish history buffs. Debatable the impact the invasion had. One aspect is certain. A year after the raid,originating from a Buffalo tavern (Surprise), Canada declared its independence from the Brits.

@ davekemp, yes, you are correct. There were two attempted Fenian invasions launched from Vermont, both being enormous failures as the Fenians were quickly turned back at the border. O'Neill attempted to organize a final incursion into Manitoba, in an alliance with the Canadian Metis rebel communities, who were of mixed French-Canadian and Native American blood. I think its a stretch to say that the Fenians invaded Canada for the purpose of championing Canadian independence. They rather intended to bring Canada under the influence of the United States, severing its connection with the British Empire and holding it hostage. The Fenians sole goal was the liberation of Ireland. There is a monument of many years standing at the site of the Battle of Ridgway, which I have seen-- it honors the "defense" of Canada as against the "Fenian raiders" as they are described on the monument. Regardless, the Battle of Ridgway was the only victory in the field of an Irish Republican military force over British-allied forces after the "Castlebar Races" of 1798.

There is a Fenian invasion commemerative sign along the highway to Canada from St.Alnan's, VT. I have a picture from my many trips to/from Eveready/Canada!

I believe there was Fenian activity along the Canadian border in the Northeast in May of 1870, and a third operation at Ft. Pembina, Dakota Territory in the fall of 1871. These were both lead by John O'Neill. These both involved Canadian territory.

How many Irish-Americans (North Americans)are aware of 1866 Fenian invasion of Canada? I bet there are not too many. I did know about the Fenian invasion, so perhaps I get a few North American/Irish history 'points'?