Irish America
Irish America
"The Return of the 69th"There are few paintings that capture the Irish of the Civil War era better than Louis Lang's "The Return of the 69th (Irish) Regiment." The painting, 11 feet wide by 7 feet tall, is prominently displayed at the New York Historical Society Building and shows crowds massed along New York Harbor to welcome home the regiment returned from the First … [Read more...] about The American Civil War
Lest we forget: Civil War reenactors provide a living history. As Ron McGovern, wearing his Civil War captain's uniform replete with brass buttons and sword, sat in a pew at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in New York's Little Italy a few years ago, he couldn't help feeling "a little time transport." The church organist pumped Mozart's Requiem into a space filled with members of … [Read more...] about The Irish Brigade
"When anything absurd, forlorn, or desperate was to be attempted, the Irish Brigade was called upon." – George Alfred Townsend "Oh, God, what a pity! Here come Meagher's fellows" was the cry in the Confederate ranks. Nevertheless, the Rebels kept up the relentless fire. Captain John Donovan, in the 69th New York, called the combined cannon and rifle fire "murderous" as gaps … [Read more...] about The Irish Brigade In the Civil War
Sweet fiddle music muffles street sounds, thick carpet softens your footsteps, and lace curtains filter the daylight. Fireside chairs before a fireplace invite you to linger over the photos from the past. At Photo Antiquities, a museum of 19th century photography, the years fall away slowly until Frank Watters, the curator, strides in carrying a musket and wearing a replica of … [Read more...] about Bringing General Corcoran to Life
