Place Name
Named in commemoration of the Battle of Ramillies, which was fought on May 23, 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701 – 1714). The war was triggered by the death of the childless Charles II of Spain. The two principle claimants to the throne were the Habsburg Dynasty, originating in Austria, and the Bourbon Dynasty, originating in France. A Grand Alliance, made up of troops from Austria, England and the Dutch Republic, fought the French. The allies victory led by the Duke of Marlborough meant the entire province fell in under two weeks. The shattered French forces were forced to withdraw.
