The catalist for Confederation, The Fenian Raids 1860s

In today's modern world, it may seem laughable that a group of Irishmen could think that they could invade British North America, hold it for ransome to drive the British from Ireland.


But then again, insurgent groups do tend to put people in a bit of a fuddle.

The battle of Ridgeway, 2 June 1866

The Fenian troops, initially successful in their first engagement against the somewhat confused Canadian volunteer militiamen, had to retreat back to the United States as more Canadian and British troops converged on the Niagara peninsula. Fenian raids across the Quebec border were repulsed a few days later. (Library and Archives Canada)

Volunteer wearing frock coat, Canadian Volunteer Militia, 1866

Canadian volunteer wearing the infantry frock adopted by a few units beginning in 1866. This was a simpler garment than the full-dress coat, made with less ornamentation. The cut was often somewhat looser, with several pleats down the front. A lesser quality material was used for these frocks. Combined with the forage cap seen in this picture, the result was a relatively practical service dress by the standards of the 1860s. This volunteer carries a Snider-Enfield breech-loading rifled musket, the most advanced British infantry weapon available when it was first issued. Reconstruction by Ron Volstad. (Canadian Department of National Defence)

Fenian infantryman, 1870

Most Fenians seem to have worn civilian clothing, but some units did manage to provide themselves with uniforms. The green shell jacket this man wears is based on a surviving relic taken as a trophy during the skirmishes along the Quebec-Vermont border in 1870. Reports of O'Neil's 1866 Fenian army at Ridgeway mention that the Louisville company of the 17th Kentucky Regiment had blue army jackets with green facings, while a company of the 18th Ohio Regiment called the 'Fenian Cleveland Rangers' wore green caps and green shirts. Reconstruction by Ron Volstad. (Canadian Department of National Defence)

Canadian volunteers of the 50th Battalion 'Huntingdon Borderers' engage Fenian raiders

This battle occurred at Eccles Hill near Ormstown, Québec, on 27 May 1870. The Fenians were defeated and fled back into Vermont. (cmhg.gc.ca)


Below is the bayonet the Canadian militia would have used, as all their military training came from the British army. I also did this as a 78th Highlander.