The Irish Brigade in the American Civil War

The History of Ireland: Rebellion, Empire, and Independence — Fexingo History · Sep 17, 2026 · 9m · transcript

We often hear about the Easter Rising or the Potato Famine, but fewer know how thousands of Irish immigrants fought in the United States during the Civil War. This episode explores the formation and combat history of the 69th Infantry Regiment, later known as the Irish Brigade. Led by Thomas Francis Meagher, a Fenian leader exiled from Ireland, the unit became famous for its fierce loyalty and devastating casualties at battles like Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. We look at the complex identity of these soldiers—Catholics in a Protestant nation, fighting for the Union while maintaining their…