US HQ 2-1-2nd “Irish Brigade” Kelly was added to Your Favorites!
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
The 2nd Brigade, known as the Irish Brigade, was instrumental during the Battle of Gettysburg, particularly in the defense of Cemetery Ridge on July 2, 1863.
Before going into battle, the Irish Brigade was known for its tradition of being blessed by a Catholic priest and carrying a green flag adorned with a harp and shamrocks.
The brigade was largely made up of Irish immigrants who had fled the Great Famine, and they were known for their fierce fighting spirit and loyalty to the Union cause.
The soldiers of the Irish Brigade were distinguished by their green boxwood sprigs worn in their caps, symbolizing their Irish heritage.
The brigade faced severe losses, with over 500 of its men killed, wounded, or missing during the three-day battle.
A monument dedicated to the Irish Brigade stands on the Gettysburg battlefield, commemorating their bravery and sacrifice during the Civil War.
