Tag Archives: Irish Americans

“I Want To See How Irishmen Fight”: The Irish Brigade at Fair Oaks

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Sarah Kay Bierle

The Irish Brigade of the Union’s Army of the Potomac is probably most associated with Antietam and Fredericksburg when their battle experiences come to mind. However, their first major combat experience took place during the Peninsula Campaign at the battle … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Primary Sources | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ECW YouTube: Interview with Dr. Damian Shiels of Irish American Civil War Blog

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Emerging Civil War

During her trip to Andersonville National Historic Site in November of 2021, Sheritta Bitikofer had the opportunity to meet a very special guest speaker, Dr. Damien Shiels, when he visited to give a presentation about his Irish at Andersonville project. … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Common Soldier, Immigrants, On Location, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“After remaining silent so long I am almost ashamed to write now:” A Letter from September 9, 1862

Posted on September 9, 2021 by ECW Guest Post

ECW welcomes back guest author T.J. Bradley Housed in the Local History/Special Collections section of the Alexandria, Virginia Library is a largely unknown and surprisingly candid letter that provides a unique insight into the mindset of a Union soldier having … Continue reading →

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“The Irish spirit for the war is dead:” The Irish Brigade at Fredericksburg and the Battle’s Impact on New York’s Irish-American Community

Posted on July 9, 2020 by ECW Guest Post

ECW welcomes back guest author Abbi Smithmyer Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Fredericksburg Battlefield. As they walk along the sunken road, stand behind the stonewall, gaze into the windows of the Innis House, and walk through the … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Newspapers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

“Because of My Love for My Whole Adopted Country”

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A couple of weekends ago, I made a drive to Antietam National Battlefield, and in an effort to support the battlefield and local economy, I felt it was fitting and proper to add to my library. … Continue reading →

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Brown’s Island Victims

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Bert Dunkerly

The worst war-time disaster to strike the Confederate home front occurred on March 13, 1863. An explosion rocked the Confederate Laboratory on Brown’s Island in the James River, in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. My research indicates that ten were … Continue reading →

Posted in Arms & Armaments, Civilian | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Green Flags: “There was a certain magic in the light of this old symbol”

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and for years I’ve had a historical love for the green flags carried by Irish American soldiers of Civil War. I think it started when I was about nine and discovered my first book of … Continue reading →

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Lukewarm Patriots: Examining the Pension Files of Late-War Recruits in One Union Regiment

Posted on August 7, 2018 by ECW Guest Post

Emerging Civil War welcomes guest author Nathan Marzoli On a cold December morning in 1863, John Prescott of the 12th New Hampshire was awakened by “a strange noise” outside of his tent on the sandy shores of Point Lookout, Maryland. Pulling on … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Common Soldier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

My Favorite Historical Person: Thomas Francis Galwey

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Daniel Welch

When asked the question about someone from the time period of the American Civil War that I admire most, I must admit it was daunting to pick just one individual. It would be easy to pick one a Grant, Lee, … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Soldier | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Thinking About The Irish Brigade At Antietam

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a day many folks find something from Ireland to enjoy. I have two traditions on the unofficial holiday: wear a little green and remember the Irish-American contributions during the Civil War. Last year, I wrote … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Common Soldier, Monuments | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments