Battle of Eccles Hill

The Battle of Eccles Hill (/ˈɛkəlz/) was part of a raid into Canadian territory from the United States led by John O'Neill of the Fenian Brotherhood, intended to pressure Great Britain to grant sovereignty to Ireland. In 1870, the Fenians crossed the Canadian border and proceeded to the top of Eccles Hill where they were confronted by members of the Canadian home guard and volunteers. The Fenians were overwhelmed by local militia units and armed citizens on May 25, 1870, and were compelled to abandon what was anticipated to have been a "glorious victory".

Battle of Eccles Hill
Part of the Fenian Raids

The Battle of Eccles Hill. Contemporary illustration.
DateMay 25, 1870
Location
near Frelighsburg and Saint-Armand, Quebec
45.0199°N 72.9044°W / 45.0199; -72.9044
Result Canadian victory
Belligerents
Fenian Brotherhood 60th Canadian Battalion
Commanders and leaders
John O'Neill William Osborne Smith
Strength
680 militia
1 cannon		 600 militia
Casualties and losses
2 dead
18 wounded
1 cannon captured

None

National Historic Site of Canada
Official nameBattle of Eccles Hill National Historic Site of Canada
Designated1923
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