Irish America

Civil War

The Passion of the San Patricios

By Mark R. Day, Contributor
March / April 2019

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Irish America looks back at the legacy of St. Patrick’s Battalion, an honor-bound group of Irishmen that championed the cause of the smaller Mexican force against the might of the American army during the Mexican- American War. ℘℘℘ “You have to understand that we Mexicans and Irish are very sentimental,” said the slight, grandmotherly figure, leaning forward in a high-backed … [Read more...] about The Passion of the San Patricios

The Irish Nightingaleof 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 report. … [Read more...] about The Irish Nightingaleof the Civil War

Native Americans and the Irish

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
September / October 2018

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The Irish Consulate in New York City hosted a discussion of Irish-Native American relations in June. Titled, “Native Americans and the Irish: Historic and Continuing Connections,” it touched on interactions between the two groups over the past centuries that have been both friendly and confrontational. The conversation covered the Choctaw nation’s gift of $170 towards Irish … [Read more...] about Native Americans and the Irish

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

Hospitality and History in the American South

By Enda Cullen, Contributor

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History abounds on a tour that began in Washington, D.C. and visited Civil War battlefields, colonial towns, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. ℘℘℘ As you might expect, Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to visit the nation’s capitol. There are celebrations, a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn, and a spectacular fireworks display. However, the … [Read more...] about Hospitality and History in the American South