Abstract:
Ethnic units were a prominent feature of American Civil War armies on both sides. Much history and myth surrounds, in particular, the role of the Irish in the war. They were politically opposed to President Lincoln and the Republican Party, they were prejudiced against African-Americans, and Anglo-Americans discriminated against them. The Civil War did not completely resolve these issues. However, understanding the Irish experience in the war is essential to understanding the American experience of the war.
Colonel James A. Mulligan commanded the 23rd Illinois Infantry Regiment, also known as the Chicago Irish Brigade, during the Civil War. Although he was not born in Ireland, Mulligan was an ardent supporter of the country and its people. He also tried to improve the poor image Americans had of Irish immigrants. When the Civil War began, Mulligan saw an opportunity for the Irish to gain greater acceptance in American society. Consequently, he and other prominent
Irish-Americans in Chicago organized an all-Irish regiment. The men of the regiment elected Mulligan as their colonel and commanding officer.
Colonel Mulligan and his Irish Brigade distinguished themselves wherever they served from Missouri to West Virginia during the war. His experience with them alone provides valuable insight to the Irish role in the war. However Mulligan was Irish-American and he was raised in an affluent home. His birth in this country and higher social standing gave him a perspective that grew out of experiences with both cultures. The following study of the life of Colonel Mulligan examines the unique perspective he had of the Irish and American experience in the Civil War.
