Irish Brigade
2nd Brigade, 1st Div, II Corps
Army Of The Potomac
“While posted here in the early morning of December 13, 1862 the men of the Irish Brigade placed sprigs of boxwood in their caps in honor of their Irish heritage. Later in the day, they took part in the futile assaults against confederate positions on Marye’s Heights. After the battle the union dead closest to the confederate positions wore sprigs of boxwood in their caps.”
“To the Sons of Erin who put God, County, and Duty before self. We must never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Erin Go Braugh.”
“Fearless Sons Of Erin”
“More than 144,000 Irish-born soldiers served in the Union army during the Civil War. Of several brigades in the Army of the Potomac that were predominantly Irish, only the one commanded by Gen.. Thomas F. Meagher was known as the Irish Brigade. Made up of the 63rd, 69th, and 88th Massachusetts Regiment, and the 116th Pennsylvania Regiment, it was officially known as the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division II Corps. This brigade was made up primarily of Irish immigrants from Boston, Philadelphia, and New York who had a reputation of being fearless fighters. The Irish Brigade was engaged in nearly all of the major battles fought by the Army of the Potomac and was involved in some of the most renowned charges of the war.”
