Fenians Invade Canada: Irish Raiders Cross the Niagara
Irish-American Fenian raiders under John O'Neill crossed the Niagara River from Buffalo into Canada, hoping to seize British territory as leverage for Irish independence. Canadian militia and British regulars repelled the 850 invaders within three days, but the cross-border threat accelerated Canadian Confederation, which was formalized the following year to strengthen collective defense.
May 31, 1866
160 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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