The Irish Brigade was an infantry brigade that consisted of mostly Irish Americans, and known for its famous war cry ‘Faugh a Ballaugh,’ an Anglicization of fag a bealach, meaning ‘Clear the Way.’ Irishmen and Irish Americans joined the brigade for a number of reasons; to show loyalty to their newfound home, and in the hope that this display of patriotism would dispel anti-Irish sentiment throughout the US. Ethnic units like the Irish brigade were also a way for the Union Army to garner support for their cause. Due to its fearlessness and bravery, the Irish Brigade led the Union charge at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and most famously at Gettysburg where there is a monument erected in the Brigade’s honor.
Ryan Keating, PhD is the chair of the History department in California State University-San Bernardino. His research interests focus on the Civil War Era with a special focus on soldiers, veterans, and families and the impact of the war on notions of ethnicity, identity, race, and gender.