Learn about Irish Combatants in the Battle of Shiloh Contact:
Chris Mekow, 731-689-5696 SHILOH, TN - On Saturday, March 16,
Shiloh National Military Park will be presenting a special
program in honor of Saint Patrick's Day about the contribution
of Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans during the Civil War.
This program will take place from 2:00 - 3:00 pm in the park's
Visitor Center and will focus on Irish soldiers on both sides in
the Battle of Shiloh. From 1820 - 1860, an estimated 1,956,557
Irish immigrants arrived in the United States, most of them
coming during the Great Famine of 1845 - 1852, caused by the
failure of the potato crop. It is estimated that 170,000 native
Irish and 400,000 Irish-Americans joined the Union Army during
the war. More than 40,000 Irish fought for the Southern cause.
They were the largest immigrant group in the army and made up
10% of all Confederate combatants. The one-hour program will
focus on the Irish contribution at Shiloh including Confederate
General Patrick Cleburne, w