The Irish in the Civil War

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    Abstract

    In this article, I will discuss the role of the Irish in the Civil War focusing on some famous units, primarily on the Northern side but also some in the South. I will profile the three leading Irish-American military leaders of the war – Thomas Francis Meagher of the Irish Brigade, “Little” Phil Sheridan of the Union, and Patrick Cleburne of the Confederacy. While “Stonewall” Jackson was of Ulster Scots-Irish stock, I am not including him. Seven Union and six Confederate generals were Irish-born. And I will discuss the conflict between the Irish immigrants and the Negroes, which erupted in the New York City draft riots of July, 1863.

    Original languageAmerican English
    JournalThe Charger: Newsletter of The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable
    Volume30
    StatePublished - Jan 1 2008

    Keywords

    • Civil War
    • Irish
    • Ireland
    • Irish-American
    • Union
    • Confederacy
    • Confederate
    • Army
    • Units
    • Battles
    • Irish Brigade
    • Meagher
    • Sheridan
    • Irish immigrant

    Disciplines

    • United States History

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