The Irish Wild Geese!

Have you ever heard of the Irish "Wild Geese"? During the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth, many Irish soldiers took ships to Europe. They served in French, German, Spanish and Austrian armies. The Irish Brigade distinguished themselves as professional soldiers all over Europe. This went on for some time during the more trying periods of Ireland's history. Near the mid-1800s, Ireland was suffering through hard times so many men and their families left the country and came to America. The American Civil War broke out and the Irish immigrating through the northern coasts signed up for the Union Army and formed their own brigade, the 69th New York State Volunteers. Those who came through the southern coasts signed up for the Confederate Army and established several infantries such as 24th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, 10th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Militia, and Louisiana Tigers. Their skills were outstanding on both sides. In fact, so much so that their superiors knew they could except plenty of bloodshed on the fields when they met each other. At the Battle of Malvern Hill July 1, 1862, a Confederate officer looked up and commented after several Union charges at the Confederate line, "Here comes that damned green flag again!” The honored Confederate General Robert E. Lee is said to have been the first who gave the Irish Union Brigade the title they are most proud of: The Fighting 69th!

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Over the next several weeks, I will be publishing, with the aid of my daughter, Bettse Folsom, a series of answer & questions & snippets about Ireland that many people have asked me during events where I have attended. If you have a question, please contact me by email and I will be happy to address it.

Thank you for reading my blog!