If you plan to visit Quebec’s beautiful Eastern Townships this summer, drop by the Missisquoi Museum in Stanbridge East to see The Fenians Are Coming, an exhibit that commemorates the Fenian raids 150 years ago. It runs until October 9.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia website, “The Fenians were a secret society of Irish patriots who had emigrated from Ireland to the United States. Some North American members of this movement were intent on taking Canada by force and exchanging it with Britain for Irish independence. From 1866 to 1871 the Fenians launched a series of small, armed incursions” of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba.
James Young, 1st Regiment, Prince of Wales Rifles of Montreal, Volunteer Militia, ca. 1862.
On June 7, 1866, General Samuel Spear of the Fenians and 1,000 men marched into Canadian territory, occupying Pigeon Hill, Frelighsburg, Saint-Armand and Stanbridge, Quebec, small towns close to the American border.
On June 8, Canadian forces arrived at Pigeon Hill and the Fenians, who were low on arms, ammunition and supplies, promptly surrendered, ending the raid on Canada East.
On a personal note, my great-great-grandfather James Young, who 18 months earlier had been held captive in the US civil war prison Andersonville, served with the 1st Regiment, Prince of Wales Rifles in nearby Durham and Ormston in June 1866.
The Fenians returned in 1870 with 2,000 men, but were soundly defeated in Frelighsburg by 40 local farmers who had formed a home guard.
Book launch
Earlier this month, the Missisquoi Museum was the site of the launch of historian Laurent Busseau’s new book, The Fenians Are Coming.
In an article in the Guide Journal, Missisquoi Historical Society president François Reid said, “The fruit of long and meticulous research, this book, The Fenians Are Coming, is a detailed and abundantly illustrated work, filled with newly discovered and never-told stories.”
Sales of the book will be an ongoing fundraiser for the Missisquoi Historical Society. Available in English or French, it can be purchased in person for $20 at the Missisquoi Museum or ordered online at info@museemissisquoi.ca.
Details about The Fenians Are Coming exhibit can be found in this news release.
You can read about James Young’s capture during the American civil war:
How my Scottish-Canadian great-great-grandfather was captured during the US Civil War — 150 years ago today
Maggots, shinplasters, and spooning at Libby prison — 150 years ago this week
