Canadiana

Fenian Raids, c. June 1866 ‘Evacuation of Fort Erie, 3 June 1866’ caricature, lithograph 13 ½” high x 16 ¾” wide Catalogue Notes: A parallel example can be found in the Manuscript Collection in the Toronto Public Libraries; purchased by them and exhibited in the Baldwin Room in 2001 and described in their annual report of the same year: “Fenian Forces in Flight. This 19^th century lithograph, Evacuation of Fort Erie, 3 June 1866, depicts the evacuation of the Fenian forces from Fort Erie, Canada West, across the Niagara River to the United States, the day after the Battle of Ridgeway. Purchased in 2001, it documents a brief passage in the history of Canada which saw American members of this nationalist Irish movement, emboldened by their recent participation in the American Civil War, attempt to a take-over of Canada, which they intended to hold ransom for Ireland’s liberation from English control. Discouraged by the US government, repelled by Canadians, and weakened by informants, the Fenian invasions were short-lived. However, some historians consider the raids to have facilitated the establishment of a united Canada.” Scroll Down for further details