The Battle of Gettysburg and the role of the Irish Brigade
We decided on Gettysburg as a road trip destination in mid January en route to Washington DC. The visit to Gettysburg National Military Park where one of the most important battles of the American Civil War took place, was a memorable experience. We also went to see the memorials in honor of the Irish Brigade and learning more about of the Irish immigrants contribution in the Battle of Gettysburg.
The scenic drive from Cincinnati to Gettysburg is close to 8 hours. Gettysburg is a relatively short drive away for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region— 75 minutes from Baltimore, 90 minutes from Washington, and 150 minutes from Philadelphia.
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Gettysburg PA
We both appreciated the novel The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War by Michael Shaara and earmarked the role and contribution of the Thomas Meagher’s Irish Brigade at Gettysburg, as well as the 69th Pennsylvania infantry.
The Irish Brigade fought bravely at the Battle of Antietam and Battle of Fredericksburg and were known for their toughness, but they suffered a disproportionate number of casualties. At Gettysburg 320 of the 530 remaining soldiers in the Irish Brigade were killed.
The Battle of Gettysburg, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was one of the most decisive battles of the American Civil War. The battle resulted in the largest number of casualties during the war, with over 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The outcome of the battle also stopped Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s plans for an invasion of the North, ultimately leading to the Union’s ultimate victory.
Even as we arrived in the cold of winter Gettysburg’s natural beauty is impressive. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, we used our car to tour the Gettysburg National Military Park.
Gettysburg National Military Park
To truly understand the significance of Gettysburg, a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park is a must. Spanning over 6,000 acres, the park preserves the battlefield where the Battle of Gettysburg took place. The park offers a variety of ways to explore the battlefield, including self-guided driving tours (our choice) guided tours, and ranger-led programs. As you travel through the park, you’ll come across numerous monuments and markers that pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during the battle.
Gettysburg’s Museums and Visitor Center
Being our first visit we began the day at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center which offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring the battle to life.
The museum also houses the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive circular painting that provides a panoramic view of the battle.
Boomer Alert: Please note you must leave all backpacks and similarly sized items outside or secured in your vehicle. Only bags with medical equipment, cameras or baby items are permitted.
The Gettysburg Visitor Center like any of the National Parks we have visited is well organized and informative. The Visitor Center provides all you need to know to get the most out of your visit.
There are videos following this link which will take you on a virtual tour https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm
After watching the orientation film at the Visitor Center we loaded up with new books & guides. With the self drive tour map in hand we headed out to the battlefield.
Popular Memorials at Gettysburg
We marked on our map the top favorite Memorials at listed by the from the Battlefield Tours .
Eternal Light Peace Memorial – Located on Oak Hill, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial features the Flame of Eternal Peace and was created in 1938 to commemorate the 1913 Gettysburg reunion and 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Pennsylvania State Memorial – If you believe “bigger is better,” you’ll want to see this one. The Pennsylvania State Memorial at Cemetery Ridge is the largest monument on the battlefield, standing 110 feet tall.
12th and 44th New York Infantry Monument – Known to many as the “castle” on Little Round Top, this is again a very popular photo location. The largest and most expensive regimental monument on the battlefield was raised as a memorial to Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth, the first Union officer killed during the war.
Soldiers’ National Monument – In the middle of the Gettysburg National Cemetery stands the Soldiers’ National Monument. Honoring all soldiers at Gettysburg, this monument was dedicated in 1869 without the “Plenty” or “Peace” statues, which were added a short time later. In addition to “Plenty” and “Peace,” “War” and “History” sit on each corner of the monument’s base.
Exploring the Battlefield
The battlefield is divided into three main sections: the North, South, and East sections. Each section offers unique perspectives and points of interest.
The North section is where the first day of the battle took place. It includes notable landmarks such as McPherson Ridge and Oak Ridge.
The South section is home to famous locations like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top. This is where some of the most intense fighting occurred, including Picketts Charge.
The East section features Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill, where key Union positions were located.
Exploring these different sections allows visitors to gain an understanding of the battle and the strategies employed by both Union and Confederate forces.
Pickett’s Charge
“On day three, Lee made up his mind where his army would attack. Right at the center of the Union line was a copse of trees. In front of the copse was the 69th Pennsylvania Brigade, Irish to a man.
The battle started with a massive cannonade from the Rebels.
Then came Pickett’s march—thirteen thousand soldiers in serried file. They marched their way across the open field to the Union lines about three-quarters of a mile away.
The 69th Pennsylvania was the only regiment not to withdraw from defending the stone wall in front of the copse of trees during Pickett’s Charge.”
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/battle-of-gettysburg-irish-brigade
A turning point in the battle was the repulsion of Armistead and his thousand. The reason was because “the 69th refused to give way”. They saved the Angle and killed any chance that Pickett’s division might push the Federals off Cemetery Ridge.”
The Irish Brigade at Gettysburg
The Irish Brigade comprised of predominantly Irish immigrants.
The Brigade represented a unique blend of patriotism, determination, and unwavering loyalty to their adopted new homeland.
Faugh a Ballagh
The Irish Brigade is known in part for its famous war cry, the “faugh a ballagh”.
Th phrase is an anglicization of the Irish phrase, fág an bealach, meaning “clear the way”.
New York Regiments
The Irish Brigade was one of the legendary units of the Civil War. Three of its regiments were from New York. The other two were the 28th Massachusetts and the 116th Pennsylvania. With its numbers horribly thinned at Antietam and Fredericksburg, the three New York regiments could barely muster two weak companies each. But the Irish Brigade was still a force to be reckoned with when they were thrown in to support Sickles’ collapsing line on the afternoon of July 2.
The monument to the three New York regiments of the Irish Brigade is south of Gettysburg on Sickles Avenue, just inside the Rose Woods. Close by is the monument to the 28th Massachusetts Infantry.
14th New York Independent Battery
Monument
Leaders of the Irish Brigade
The Irish Brigade had numerous exceptional leaders who inspired and guided their men through the horrors of war. Thomas Francis Meagher, the charismatic commander of the Brigade, was a natural-born leader who instilled a sense of pride and purpose in his troops. Colonel Patrick Kelly, a seasoned soldier with a deep love for Ireland and the Union, served as an inspirational figure to the men under his command.
Commanded by Maj. St. Clair A. Mulholland, the 116th Pennsylvania was part of the “Irish Brigade,” under Col. Patrick Kelly. The regiment had been decimated by battlefield casualties before Gettysburg. According to the monument inscription, the 116th Pennsylvania suffered 37 casualties out of 142 men at Gettysburg.
The regiment fought in The Wheat field on July 2, 1863. The trefoil / shamrock symbol on the front of the monument represents Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock’s 2nd Corps. Located on Sickles Avenue not far from Wheat field Road (near “The Loop”), the 116th Pennsylvania Monument was dedicated in 1889. Cemetery Ridge has many monuments that display a prominent trefoil / shamrock.
Walking in the footsteps of soldiers who fought at Gettysburg is a humbling but memorable experience.
Fighting Irish and Notre Dame
Father William Corby, who was a Notre Dame Professor before the war. Corby spent three years as the Chaplain for the legendary Irish Brigade, the 88th New York Infantry. The story is, as the Irish Brigade was about to be sent into battle, Father Corby (29 years of age) climbed on a large rock and summoned the troops to gather about him and kneel. Father Corby spoke the words of general absolution to all the soldiers, regardless of faith.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
“But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Boomer Alert – Tips for Your Visit
Plan Ahead & Do Some Prep Work before you arrive it will improve the experience of the battlefield visit dramatically.
- Reserve Guide: If you’re a history buff and want an in-depth understanding of the battle, reserve a licensed battlefield guide. Typical tours last 2 hours and can be done by car, motor coach or bike. Visit the Gettysburg Foundation’s website for more details. Alternatively, go it alone with a self-guided map from the information desk at the museum and visitor center.
- Visit the Museum and Visitor Center, it has great material and up to date information (e.g. if certain areas are closed).
- As with any outdoor experience, pack and dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Ticks can be common from late spring through fall, so consider wearing long pants and long sleeves.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours for a general visit.
- Pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy as you tour, there are picnic tables at various locations on the tour but there are no retail outlets in the park.
- Keep a note of information describing the photos you take of locations and memorials for future reference.
Hotel Accomodation in Gettysburg
We stayed at the Gettysburg Hotel in downtown Gettysburg which was very comfortable and convenient. As we traveled in January it was extra quiet which suited us.
Across the street from the hotel is the The Pub & Restaurant
Check out Expedia or Bookings.com for other accommodation listings
Planning Visit – References
Gettysburg National Military Park
National Military Park Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg
Thomas Meagher founder of the Irish Brigade
The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero Paperback – Illustrated, March 7, 2017 by Timothy Egan (Author)
The Great Shame: And the Triumph of the Irish in the English-Speaking World Paperback – September 12, 2000 by Thomas Keneally (Author)
Gettysburg – Civil War Novel
The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War Mass Market Paperback – August 12, 1987 by Michael Shaara (Author)
Gettysburg – The Movie
Gettysburg Movie based on the book “Killer Angels” is available for rent or purchase on Amazon
Glory – The Movie
About the movie Glory : Robert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates. Available to rent or purchase on Amazon.
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