The 69th Infantry Regiment of New York - “The Fighting Irish”Dubbed “The Fighting 69th” by Robert E. Lee for their gallant charge at the Battle of Malvern Hill against advancing Southern troops and forcing the retreat of the famed Confederate brigade the Louisiana Tigers, the 69th Infantry Regiment was formed in New York City in 1849 by Irish and Irish-American volunteers.
After the failed Young Ireland rebellion against British rule in 1848, many Irish Nationalists fled Ireland for New York City. Nationalists such as Michael Doheny began to organize independent Irish militia companies in New York City in hopes of one day returning back to Ireland to re-take up the fight for Irish independence. By the end of 1848, many of these companies were drilling in Manhattan Center Market and by mid 1849, these companies were consolidated into the ‘1st Irish Regiment’, from which the 69th NY draws its lineage.
The “Fighting Irish”, as they were also known, participated in many battles of the Civil War including the main assault in the 1st Battle of Bull Run, heavy fighting during the Seven Day battles near Richmond, led their brigade in the charge against advancing Southern troops at Malvern Hill, and the ill-fated charge on the Sunken Road at the battle of Antietam, where the ‘Irish Brigade’ made 5 separate charges over the course of 3 hours, including fierce hand to hand combat on well-entrenched Confederate positions. The 69th suffered 60% casualties before withdrawing from the field.
Perhaps the most audacious and bloody attack of the 69th took place during the Battle of Fredericksburg where they charged uphill against dug-in rebel positions on Marye’s Heights, suffering even more casualties than they did at Antietam. The bold and brave nature of the attack so impressed the Confederate defenders that they saluted the 69th with loud whoops and cheers.
Only 300 men remained after the Battle of Chancellorsville, yet they still fought valiantly through the remainder of the war, driving Southern forces swiftly back across the Wheatfield at Gettysburg before being overrun on their flank and being forced to withdraw. The 69th was present at Appomattox for the surrender of General Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia.
The 69th regiment still exists today, having participated in 4 wars and 23 campaigns, the staffs of its regimental colors are authorized to be one foot longer than normal to accommodate all of their combat insignia. With their mascot an Irish wolfhound, their official battle cry in Gaelic
Faugh a Ballagh (Clear The Way!) and their official march the Garryowen jig, the 69th has always kept close connection to it’s Irish roots with the 2nd colors of the regiment even being presented by President Kennedy to the Irish parliament on the Centennial of the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1962.
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