Irish America

American Civil War

The Irish Nightingale of the Civil War

By Peter F. Stevens, Contributor
November / December 2018

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"The Irish-American Florence Nightingale" of the Civil War – Sister Mary Anthony. ℘℘℘ The name of this Civil War medical pioneer has unjustly slipped between history’s proverbial cracks.  Still, her legacy flourishes:  “Her innovative triage techniques remain standard practices in every theater of war where American troops fight.” Those words come from a 2003 Pentagon … [Read more...] about The Irish Nightingale of the Civil War

Frederick Douglass and Irish Home Rule

By Christine Kinealy, Contributor
September / October 2018

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Born a slave, Frederick Douglass died as a champion of human rights, and Ireland played an important role in his political awakening. ℘℘℘ In 1845, Ireland provided a safe refuge to Frederick Douglass, a 27-year-old “fugitive” slave from America. Douglass described his four months in the country as the “happiest times” in his life and the Irish people as the most “ardent” … [Read more...] about Frederick Douglass and Irish Home Rule

Fr. Whelan, Angel of Andersonville, is Honored in Wexford

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
October / November 2013

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Father Peter Whelan didn’t take sides. He was on God’s side. The Civil War priest was known, to Confederate and Union soldiers alike, as a good man who administered to their needs. Fr. Peter was born in Wexford and made his way to America where he was ordained a priest in 1830. He served in Charleston, South Carolina, and the See embraced North Carolina and Georgia as well. He … [Read more...] about Fr. Whelan, Angel of Andersonville, is Honored in Wexford

The Fighting 69th Marches Again

By Corinne Dillon, Contributor
October / November 2013

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As America reflects upon the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and its deciding turn at Gettysburg, thousands of Americans are donning the uniforms of yore as they re-enact the long war’s battles. Corinne Dillon talks to members of the 69th New York State Volunteer Historical Association about the continuing legacy of the Irish regiment. This year has been a busy one down in … [Read more...] about The Fighting 69th Marches Again

Portraits of a Nation at War

By Tom Deignan, Contributor
October / November 2013

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An exhibition on the Civil War, featuring photographs by Mathew Brady, Timothy O’Sullivan and others, and a new biography of Brady, are reviewed by Tom Deignan. One of the most chilling portraits in the exhibition “Photography and the American Civil War” – which just finished a five-month run at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art – is also one of the most seemingly … [Read more...] about Portraits of a Nation at War