Irish Brigade: The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame!

Famed Irish Brigade in the Civil War 

The Fighting Irish! of Notre Dame: A History

Foreword

Notre Dame and the "Fighting Irish!"

While approximately 150,000 Irish served the Union during the Civil War (1861-1865), the most famous was its brigade, the Irish Brigade. When Union General Edwin Sumner prepared for battle he was known to ask: “Where are my green flags?” and that he once swore that “if the Irishmen ever ran from the field he would have to run as well.” Prior to battle, Father William Corby, later President of Notre Dame, would ride by the ranks of the Irish Brigade and give every man absolution. While charging into battle, the brigade shouted its battle cry, "Faugh a Ballagh!,” meaning “Clear the Way."

Notre Dame is known as the fighting Irish, but what is its origin? During the Civil War, the predominately all-Irish Brigade had a record unmatched in battle: 4,000 casualties, 11 recipients of the Medal of Honor, and 3 of its commanders killed in action. The Irish Brigade, known as the Fighting Irish because of its fighting prowess, was one of only ten "famous brigades" in the Union Army, according to the conflict's acclaimed statistician, William F. Fox. The following work is an introductory study about one of the finest unit's to ever engage in war.

The majority of the men that formed the Irish Brigade had recently arrived in New York, only to be frustrated by prejudice and elusive dreams. With boiling anxiousness to demonstrate their equality by way of bayonet and battlefield, Irishmen entered into the fray of the blue and gray. The sons of Erin donned the Union blue wool, and tramped from battle to battle without an ounce of concern. Although casualties were rising rapidly in their ranks, the Irish Brigade continued to fight like furies and they continued to fall without many worries.

Although 4,000 fell, many lived to tell, that the Irish had fought and it wasn't for naught. A nation once divided was now united, and though there was intolerance and indifference towards the Irish, President Lincoln believed that the Irish had made the difference, because, during the war, Lincoln once reached out and gently held the corner of the Irish colors, then kissed it and said, “God Bless the Irish Flag.” From antiquity perhaps we may still hear the Irish say, "Clear the Way," because we are here to stay. 

 Introduction

Nearly one-third of the total Irish population who joined the Union Army resided in New York.

Approximately 150,000 Irishmen, most of whom were recent immigrants and not yet  U.S.citizens, joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Some joined out of loyalty to their new found home, while others hoped that such a conspicuous display of patriotism might finally halt the discrimination against the Irish. As the war dragged on and Irish casualties mounted, however, their sympathy for the Union cause began to flounder, and by the end of the war many had abandoned the Northern cause altogether. The majority of the nation's Irish resided in New York City, the recruiting base for many of the Empire State's 42,000 plus Irishmen who joined the Union military. But the determined soldiers who fought in the all-Irish units that comprised the “Irish Brigade” were known for their courage, ferocity and tenacity in battle.

Formed in November 1861, the Irish Brigade was largely recruited in New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Its initial regiments were the 69th, 88th and 63rd New York State Volunteers. Other units identified as part of the Brigade included the 29th Massachusetts, 116th Pennsylvania and 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments. The Brigade fought in all of the major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac. It lost more than 4,000 men during the war. This total is larger than the number of soldiers that the brigade had in the field at any given time. Eleven Brigade members were awarded the Medal of Honor, and of the five officers who commanded the brigade, three were killed or mortally wounded. Colonel Richard Byrnes was mortally wounded at Cold Harbor, Colonel  Patrick Kelly was killed at Petersburg, and Brigadier General Thomas A. Smyth died at Farmville. Brigadier generals Robert Nugent and Thomas Meagher were both wounded, however. The brigade was mustered out in June 1865.

See also

Irish Brigade: A History
New York Civil War History
Excelsior Brigade
Iron Brigade

Civil War Cavalry Weapons and Battles

Civil War Cavalry Weapons and Battles

The Union and Confederate Military

Foreword


Traditionally, cavalry was considered the “eyes” of the army, scouting, guarding supply lines, and screening the army’s flanks from the enemy. When required, the cavalry could also disrupt enemy communication and supply lines, provide a mobile striking force, or defend key terrain. The Civil War army, Union and Confederate, consisted primarily of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Occasionally, without even firing a rifle or wielding a saber, cavalry turned the tide of battle by providing reconnaissance. 

 

Cavalry played a prominent role in the outcome of many major battles and campaigns during the conflict and it was a critical component in the army organization. Cavalry often collected intelligence, such as enemy position and movement, and forwarded the vital information to the respective command, which allowed headquarters to respond accordingly with its infantry and artillery. Many Civil War battlefields may be viewed as a chess match, with cavalry retaining the position of the knights. The exigencies of battle were often met because cavalry was on the scene and it allowed the commanding general to be armed with precise intelligence to make an informed decision.

 

Cavalry generally fought dismounted, with every fourth trooper holding the horses of his comrades. Either mounted or dismounted, troopers might advance in two ranks, the first rank firing and, while reloading, the second rank advanced through the first. The maneuver was repeated until the objective was obtained. If forced to fall back, the troops could reverse the maneuver. Prior to the Civil War, mounted cavalry charges against infantry were not uncommon, but with the widespread use of the long-range rifled musket such assaults were often suicidal.

 

The Battle of Brandy Station involved nearly 22,000 cavalry and was the largest cavalry engagement on American soil.

 

The Union and Confederate Armies in the field were not just in the market for food and clothing, but animals were a major resource for the war effort. Prices for horses rose from $100 at the outset to $185 by war's end. The Union army exhausted approximately 500 horses per day by war's end so that despite efforts to supply the insatiable demand, the horse population in the Union dropped by nearly half a million. Mules were as much in demand as horses.

Introduction

 

Cavalry of the U.S. Civil War was an integral part and member of the "army organization." The cavalry branch was one of three principal branches that formed the army; the other two were the infantry and artillery. As the physical body has parts, and parts have functions, so did the Civil War army. The infantry was the legs that carried the body into the brunt of the fighting, while the cavalry was the eyes that could locate and direct the body prior, during and even after the battle (cavalry also fought, mainly dismounted), and the artillery was the arms that was capable of reaching out and touching the enemy from a distance. The body requires the legs, the arms, and the eyes in order to function perfectly. Remove an eye, the body suffers. Remove a leg, the body suffers. Remove an arm and a leg and the body suffers severely. Now what occurs when one has lost both eyes? So one member or part of the body is not more vital and significant than another part, but together, each part forms the unit, the Civil War army unit. A well-disciplined and trained body, army body, consisting of artillery, infantry, and cavalry working together with each member performing its respective responsibilities and roles, was the goal of both Northern and Southern armies. Most battles during the Civil War were lost because the body was absent or missing a "part" prior or during the engagement. On the other hand, one army was victorious during the battle because its body remained intact and functioned well. 

 

Absent Confederate cavalry prior to and during the initial fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, according to many, was to blame for the Confederate loss of the entire three day battle itself. The writer does not espouse that view, but because many have embraced it in their writings, it merely indicates the prominence of cavalry.

At Gettysburg, Gen. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, while Gen. JEB Stuart commanded the Army of Northern Virginia's only cavalry division. Stuart delayed his arrival at Gettysburg, causing, according to some staff officers, some words of rebuke from Lee to Stuart. "Well General Stuart, you are here at last?" Allegedly Lee's exact words.

 

For example, to demonstrate the importance of cavalry, let's examine a short conversation from the movie Gettysburg (1993) between Lee and Stuart. Although the following conversation never occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg, it is interesting nevertheless. Following the actual quotes are comments in the brackets.

 

Upon his arrival at Gettysburg, Stuart reports immediately to Lee at headquarters.

 

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: You wish to see me, sir?

General Robert E. Lee: [Lee nods and sighs; there is a short pause] It is the opinion of some... excellent officers that you have let us all down.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: [angry at the slight to his honor] General Lee, sir, if you will please tell me who these gentlemen are...

General Robert E. Lee: There will be none of that. There is no time.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: Sir, I only ask that I be allowed to defend my...

General Robert E. Lee: [raising his voice slightly] There is no time.

[Stuart looks stunned]

General Robert E. Lee: General Stuart... your mission was to free this army from the enemy cavalry and report any movement by the enemy's main body. That mission was not fulfilled. You left here with no word of your movement or movement of the enemy for several days. Meanwhile, we were engaged here and drawn into battle without adequate knowledge of the enemy's strength or position, without knowledge of the ground. So it is only by God's grace that we did not meet disaster here.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: General Lee, there were reasons...

General Robert E. Lee: [Lee holds up his hand to silence Stuart] Perhaps you misunderstood my orders? Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Well, sir... this must be made very clear. You, sir, with your cavalry, are the eyes of this army. Without your cavalry, we are made blind. That has already happened once. It must never, never happen again.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: [Stuart stares at the floor, then slowly draws his sword in token of his resignation] Sir... since I no longer hold the General's...

General Robert E. Lee: [suddenly furious, Lee pounds the table with his fist] I have told you, there is no time for that! There is no time!

[he pauses, takes a deep breath, and calms down again]

General Robert E. Lee: There is another fight comin' tomorrow, and we need you. We need every man, God knows. You must take what I have told you, and learn from it, as a man does.

[he takes Stuart's sword and replaces it in its scabbard]

General Robert E. Lee: There has been a mistake. It will not happen again; I know your quality. You are one of the finest cavalry officers I have ever known, and your service to this army has been invaluable. Now... let us speak no more of this.

[he turns and slowly walks away, then turns back to Stuart]

General Robert E. Lee: The matter is concluded. Good night, General.

[not knowing what to think of this show of mercy, Stuart snaps a crisp salute, and Lee returns it]

 

See also  Civil War Cavalry Weapons and Battles

Civil War Cavalry Weapons, Battles, and Tactics

Civil War Cavalry

Cavalry Organization, Tactics, Military Weapons, and Battles

 

"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."

 

Cavalry of the U.S. Civil War was an integral part and member of the "army organization." The cavalry branch was one of three principal branches that formed the army; the other two were the infantry and artillery. As the physical body has parts, and parts have functions, so did the Civil War army. The infantry was the legs that carried the body into the brunt of the fighting, while the cavalry was the eyes that could locate and direct the body prior, during and even after the battle (cavalry also fought, mainly dismounted), and the artillery was the arms that was capable of reaching out and touching the enemy from a distance. The body requires the legs, the arms, and the eyes, in order to function perfectly. Remove an eye, the body suffers. Remove a leg, the body suffers. Remove an arm and a leg and the body suffers severely. Now what occurs when one has lost both eyes? So one member or part of the body is not more vital and significant than another part, but together, each part forms the unit, the Civil War army unit. A well-disciplined and trained body, army body, consisting of artillery, infantry, and cavalry working together with each member performing its respective responsibilities and roles, was the goal of both Northern and Southern armies. Most battles during the Civil War were lost because the body was absent or missing a "part" prior or during the engagement. On the other hand, one army was victorious during the battle because its body remained intact and functioned well. 

 

Absent Confederate cavalry prior to and during the initial fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, according to many, was to blame for the Confederate loss of the entire three day battle itself. The writer does not espouse that view, but because many have embraced it in their writings, it merely indicates the prominence of cavalry.

At Gettysburg, Gen. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, while Gen. JEB Stuart commanded the Army of Northern Virginia's only cavalry division. Stuart delayed his arrival at Gettysburg, causing, according to some staff officers, some words of rebuke from Lee to Stuart. "Well General Stuart, you are here at last?" Allegedly Lee's exact words.

 

For example, to demonstrate the importance of cavalry, let's examine a short conversation from the movie Gettysburg (1993) between Lee and Stuart. Although the following conversation never occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg, it is interesting nevertheless. Following the actual quotes are comments in the brackets.

 

Upon his arrival at Gettysburg, Stuart reports immediately to Lee at headquarters.

 

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: You wish to see me, sir?

General Robert E. Lee: [Lee nods and sighs; there is a short pause] It is the opinion of some... excellent officers that you have let us all down.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: [angry at the slight to his honor] General Lee, sir, if you will please tell me who these gentlemen are...

General Robert E. Lee: There will be none of that. There is no time.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: Sir, I only ask that I be allowed to defend my...

General Robert E. Lee: [raising his voice slightly] There is no time.

[Stuart looks stunned]

General Robert E. Lee: General Stuart... your mission was to free this army from the enemy cavalry and report any movement by the enemy's main body. That mission was not fulfilled. You left here with no word of your movement or movement of the enemy for several days. Meanwhile, we were engaged here and drawn into battle without adequate knowledge of the enemy's strength or position, without knowledge of the ground. So it is only by God's grace that we did not meet disaster here.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: General Lee, there were reasons...

General Robert E. Lee: [Lee holds up his hand to silence Stuart] Perhaps you misunderstood my orders? Perhaps I did not make myself clear. Well, sir... this must be made very clear. You, sir, with your cavalry, are the eyes of this army. Without your cavalry, we are made blind. That has already happened once. It must never, never happen again.

Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart: [Stuart stares at the floor, then slowly draws his sword in token of his resignation] Sir... since I no longer hold the General's...

General Robert E. Lee: [suddenly furious, Lee pounds the table with his fist] I have told you, there is no time for that! There is no time!

[he pauses, takes a deep breath, and calms down again]

General Robert E. Lee: There is another fight comin' tomorrow, and we need you. We need every man, God knows. You must take what I have told you, and learn from it, as a man does.

[he takes Stuart's sword and replaces it in its scabbard]

General Robert E. Lee: There has been a mistake. It will not happen again; I know your quality. You are one of the finest cavalry officers I have ever known, and your service to this army has been invaluable. Now... let us speak no more of this.

[he turns and slowly walks away, then turns back to Stuart]

General Robert E. Lee: The matter is concluded. Good night, General.

[not knowing what to think of this show of mercy, Stuart snaps a crisp salute, and Lee returns it]

 

Introduction

 

Traditionally, cavalry was considered the “eyes” of the army, scouting, guarding supply lines, and screening the army’s flanks from the enemy. When required, the cavalry could also disrupt enemy communication and supply lines, provide a mobile striking force, or defend key terrain. The Civil War army, Union and Confederate, consisted primarily of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Occasionally, without even firing a rifle or wielding a saber, cavalry turned the tide of battle by providing reconnaissance.

 

Cavalry played a prominent role in the outcome of many major battles and campaigns during the conflict and it was a critical component in the army organization. Cavalry often collected intelligence, such as enemy position and movement, and forwarded the vital information to the respective command, which allowed headquarters to respond accordingly with its infantry and artillery. Many Civil War battlefields may be viewed as a chess match, with cavalry retaining the position of the knights. The exigencies of battle were often met because cavalry was on the scene and it allowed the commanding general to be armed with precise intelligence to make an informed decision.

 

Cavalry generally fought dismounted, with every fourth trooper holding the horses of his comrades. Either mounted or dismounted, troopers might advance in two ranks, the first rank firing and, while reloading, the second rank advanced through the first. The maneuver was repeated until the objective was obtained. If forced to fall back, the troops could reverse the maneuver. Prior to the Civil War, mounted cavalry charges against infantry were not uncommon, but with the widespread use of the long-range rifled musket such assaults were often suicidal.

 

The Battle of Brandy Station involved 22,000 cavalry and was the largest cavalry engagement on American soil.

 

The Union and Confederate Armies in the field were not just in the market for food and clothing, but animals were a major resource for the war effort. Prices for horses rose from $100 at the outset to $185 by war's end. The Union army exhausted approximately 500 horses per day by war's end so that despite efforts to supply the insatiable demand, the horse population in the Union dropped by nearly half a million. Mules were as much in demand as horses.

 

See also

Civil War Cavalry

Civil War Cavalry History

American Civil War Cavalry Organization

Organization of Union and Confederate Armies: Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery: HOMEPAGE

Civil War Cavalry and Mounted Forces: Union and Confederate Weapons, Battles, Uniforms, Roles, Tactics, and Organization

Civil War Cavalry of the Union and Confederate Military

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances in the Federal Government: The Constitution

Three Branches of Government, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances: The US Constitution

Separation of Powers: A Study of the Federal Government

Governmental power and functions in the United States rest in three branches of government: the legislative, judicial, and executive. Article 1 of the Constitution defines the legislative branch and vests power to legislate in the Congress of the United States. The executive powers of the President are defined in Article 2. Article 3 places judicial power in the hands of one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress sees necessary to establish.
Though in this system of a "separation of powers" each branch operates independently of the others. However, there are built in "checks and balances" to prevent tyrannous concentration of power in any one branch and to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. For example, the President can veto bills approved by Congress and the President nominates individuals to serve in the Federal judiciary; the Supreme Court can declare a law enacted by Congress or an action by the President unconstitutional; and Congress can impeach the President and Federal court justices and judges.

What are the responsibilities and duties of the President of the United States?

The President is the head of the Executive Branch. The powers of the President of the United States are set forth in Article II of the Constitution. Some of these powers the President can exercise in his own right, without formal legislative approval. Others require the consent of the Senate or Congress as a whole. The following is a list of duties of the President of the United States:

National Security Powers:

• Serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He can authorize the use of troops overseas without declaring war. To declare war officially, though, he must get the approval of the Congress.
• Makes treaties with other nations; however, the Senate must approve any treaty before it becomes official.
• Nominates ambassadors, with the agreement of a majority of the Senate.
• Receives ambassadors of other nations, thereby recognizing those lands as official countries.

Legislative Powers:

• Presents information on the state of the union to Congress.
• Recommends legislation to Congress. Despite all of his power, the President cannot write bills. He can propose a bill, but a member of Congress must submit it for him.
• Convenes both houses of Congress in special sessions.
• Approves laws passed by Congress.

Administrative Powers:

• "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed" -- Article II, Section 3
• Appoints the heads of each Executive Branch department as Chief of the Government. He also appoints ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices, and other officials, with the agreement of the majority of the Senate.
• Requests written opinions of administrative officials.
• Fills administrative vacancies during congressional recesses.

Judicial Powers:

• Grants reprieves and pardons for Federal crimes (except impeachment).
• Appoints Federal judges, with the agreement of the majority of the Senate.

Can you explain national versus state government? 

The first type of government in America was based primarily on state government. Prior to the signing of the Constitution, America had been made up of thirteen colonies, which had been ruled by England. Following the Revolutionary War, these colonies, although they had formed a league of friendship under the Articles of Confederation, basically governed themselves. They feared a strong central government like the one they lived with under England's rule. However, it was soon discovered that this weak form of state government could not survive and so the Constitution was drafted. The Constitution:

• defines and limits the power of the national government,
• defines the relationship between the national government and individual state governments, and
• guarantees the rights of the citizens of the United States.

This time, it was decided that a government system based on federalism would be established. In other words, power is shared between the national and state (local) governments. The opposite of this system of government is a centralized government, such as in France and Great Britain, where the national government maintains all power. 

Sharing power between the national government and state governments allows us to enjoy the benefits of diversity and unity. For example, the national government may set a uniform currency system. Could you imagine having 50 different types of coins, each with a different value? You would need to take along a calculator to go shopping in another state. By setting up a national policy, the system is fair to everyone and the states do not have to bear the heavy burden of regulating their currency.

On the other hand, issues such as the death penalty have been left up to the individual states. The decision whether or not to have a death penalty, depends on that state's history, needs, and philosophies.

 

What are the exclusive powers of the national (aka federal) government and state governments?

National Government	State Governments
Print money Regulate interstate (between states) and international trade Make treaties and conduct foreign policy Declare war Provide an army and navy Establish post offices Make laws necessary and proper to carry out the these powers	Issue licenses Regulate intrastate (within the state) businesses Conduct elections Establish local governments Ratify amendments to the Constitution Take measures for public health and safety May exert powers the Constitution does not delegate to the national government or prohibit the states from using

What powers are denied to the national government and state governments?

National Government	State Governments
May not violate the Bill of Rights May not impose export taxes among states May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill May not change state boundaries	May not enter into treaties with other countries May not print money May not tax imports or exports May not Impair obligations of contracts May not suspend a person's rights without due process

What are the branches of national government and a brief description of their responsibilities? 

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention faced a difficult challenge. They wanted to ensure a strong, cohesive central government, yet they also wanted to ensure that no individual or small group in the government would become too powerful. Because of the colonies’ experience under the British monarchy, the delegates wanted to avoid giving any one person or group absolute control in government. Under the Articles of Confederation, the government had lacked centralization, and the delegates did not want to have that problem again. To solve these problems, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention created a government with three separate branches, each with its own distinct powers. This system would establish a strong central government, while insuring a balance of power.

 

Governmental power and functions in the United States rest in three branches of government: the legislative, judicial, and executive. Article 1 of the Constitution defines the legislative branch and vests power to legislate in the Congress of the United States. The executive powers of the President are defined in Article 2. Article 3 places judicial power in the hands of one Supreme Court and inferior courts as Congress sees necessary to establish.

 

Though in this system of a "separation of powers" each branch operates independently of the others. However, there are built in "checks and balances" to prevent tyrannous concentration of power in any one branch and to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. For example, the President can veto bills approved by Congress and the President nominates individuals to serve in the Federal judiciary; the Supreme Court can declare a law enacted by Congress or an action by the President unconstitutional; and Congress can impeach the President and Federal court justices and judges.

Executive Branch

 

When the delegates to the Constitutional Convention created the executive branch of government, they gave the president a limited term of office to lead the government. This was very different from any form of government in Europe and caused much debate. The delegates were afraid of what too much power in the hands of one person might lead to. In the end, with a system of checks and balances included in the Constitution, a single president to manage the executive branch of government was adopted.
 

The executive branch of Government enforces the laws of the land. When George Washington was president, people recognized that one person could not carry out the duties of the President without advice and assistance. The President receives this help from the Vice President, department heads (Cabinet members), heads of independent agencies, and executive agencies. Unlike the powers of the President, their responsibilities are not defined in the Constitution but each has special powers and functions.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch of government has the authority to make laws for the nation. It was established in Article I of the Constitution with the creation of Congress.
Congress is bicameral, that is, it is made up of two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. This system was created by the Founding Fathers after much debate. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention from larger and more populated states wanted congressional representation to be based upon population. Fearing domination, delegates from smaller states wanted equal representation. The Great Compromise resulted in the creation of two houses, with representation based on population in one and with equal representation in the other.

Judicial Branch

 

The judicial branch of government is established in Article III of the Constitution with the creation of the Supreme Court. This court is the highest court in the country and is empowered with the judicial powers of the government. There are lower Federal courts but they were not created by the Constitution. Rather, Congress deemed them necessary and established them using power granted from the Constitution. Courts decide arguments about the meaning of laws, how they are applied, and whether they break the rules of the Constitution. A court's authority to decide constitutionality is called judicial review.

See also

 

A Study of States' Rights, Secession, State and Federal Governments, Constitution and Supreme Court

President Abraham Lincoln in his own words from Civil Rights to Secession

President Lincoln on Secession

President Abraham Lincoln and War Powers

President Abraham Lincoln Homepage

President Lincoln on Civil War

Oregon in the Civil War

Oregon in the Civil War

The Forgotten Oregonians

Introduction

Member of President Lincoln's inner circle, notable Oregonian Edward Dickinson Baker was a skilled lawyer, a renowned orator, and Union soldier. He was also the only United States senator ever to die in a military engagement. Edward D. Baker of Oregon was killed on October 21, 1861, while leading his Union regiment in the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Virginia.

At the outbreak of the Civil War (1861 - 1865), regular U.S. Army troops in the District of Oregon were withdrawn from posts in Oregon and Washington Territory and sent east. Volunteer cavalry and infantry were recruited in California and sent north to Oregon to replace the Federal troops and keep the peace and protect the populace. Oregon raised the First Oregon Cavalry that was activated in 1862, fought in the Snake War, served until June 1865, and was mustered out in 1866. During the Civil War, immigrants to the new found gold fields in Idaho and Oregon continued to clash with the Paiute, Shoshone and Bannock tribes of Oregon, Idaho and Nevada until relations degenerated into the bloody 1864 - 1868 Snake War. The First Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed in 1864 and its last company was mustered out of service in July 1867. Both units were used to guard travel routes and Indian reservations, escort immigrant wagon trains, and protect settlers from Indian raiders. Several infantry detachments also accompanied survey parties and built roads in central and southern Oregon.

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern boundaries, respectively. The area was inhabited by many indigenous tribes before the arrival of traders, explorers, and settlers who formed an autonomous government in Oregon Country in 1843. The Oregon Territory was created in 1848, and Oregon became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. Founded as a refuge from disputes over slavery, Oregon had a "whites only" clause in its original state Constitution.

Humans have inhabited the area that is now Oregon for at least 15,000 years. In recorded history, mentions of the land date to as early as the 16th century. By the 16th century, Oregon was home to many Native American groups, including the Coquille (Ko-Kwell), Bannock, Chasta, Chinook, Kalapuya, Klamath, Molalla, Nez Perce, Takelma, and Umpqua. The first Europeans to visit Oregon were Spanish explorers led by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo who sighted southern Oregon off the Pacific Coast in 1543. During the 18th and 19th centuries, European powers – and later the United States – quarreled over possession of the region until 1846 when the U.S. and Great Britain finalized division of the region.

 

 

The Oregon Country was a predominantly American term referring to a disputed ownership region of the Pacific Northwest of North America. The Oregon Country was originally claimed by Great Britain, France, Russia, and Spain; the Spanish claim was later taken up by the United States. The extent of the region being claimed was vague at first, evolving over decades into the specific borders specified in the US-British treaty of 1818.

The region was occupied by British and French Canadian fur traders prior to 1810, and American settlers from the mid-1830s, with its coastal areas north from the Columbia River frequented by ships from all nations engaged in the maritime fur trade, most of these from the 1790s through 1810s being Boston-based. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 ended disputed joint occupancy pursuant to the Treaty of 1818 and established the British-American boundary at the 49th parallel. Oregon was a distinctly American term for the region, while the British used the term Columbia District instead. 
 

In 1848, the U.S. portion of the Oregon Country was formally organized as the Oregon Territory. In 1849, Vancouver Island became a British Crown colony, with the mainland being organized into the colony of British Columbia in 1858. Shortly after the establishment of Oregon Territory there was an effort to split off the region north of the Columbia River, which resulted in the creation of Washington Territory in 1853.
 

The Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon. Originally claimed by several countries, the region was divided between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1846. When established, the territory encompassed an area that included the current states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. The capital of the territory was first Oregon City, then Salem, followed briefly by Corvallis, and lastly as Salem, the seat of government for the State of Oregon.

 

 

Sentiment

Euro-American settlers, miners, and ranchers flooded into central and eastern Oregon in the 1850s and early 1860s. These newcomers moved through Native lands, sparking unrest between the Northern Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock. Established as a new state in 1859, the inhabitants of Oregon felt the reverberations of Civil War from across the continent.

Among the settlers, there were a large number of Southern sympathizers. Union supporters called Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas Counties Oregon’s “Dixie” because of its support for the Confederacy. These counties were settled by people from the borderland states of Kentucky and Missouri or from heavily Democratic regions in southern Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Many of these people brought with them the same sectional allegiance, racial prejudice, and political philosophy that were being debated on the national stage. Furthermore, the veterans of the Rogue River Indian War of the 1850s were still waiting for war reimbursements, which made them bitter towards the Federal government. As there was a majority of Union supporters in Oregon, the tensions resulted in no more than a rhetorical battle of words carried on between pro-Union and pro-Confederate supporters throughout the war. Although the settlers adopted these arguments from the national debate, they reflected in local politics and created distrust between neighbors.

Although the Civil War was a distant event for most Oregonians and the Native inhabitants of this region, it still had an indelible impact on their lives. Oregonians entered the national debate on slavery, emancipation, and states’ rights, and in turn, communities divided. These debates did not erupt in the kind of violence seen elsewhere in the country. Violence did occur between the Native population and the local regiments, in which Natives managed to elude the First Oregon Cavalry during the war. Although Oregon remained loyal to the Union, Democratic governor John Whiteaker recommended a “policy of defense only” given their distance from the field of battle. His idea of defense of the Union generally meant military campaigns against the Native inhabitants of Oregon. See also Oregon in the Civil War (1861-1865).

 

 



Civil War
 

According to the 1860 U.S. census, Oregon, a free state, had a population of 52,465. In 1860, the state’s population was comparable to the size of an average city in the United States. Although President Lincoln exempted Oregon from his initial Call For Troops on April 15, 1861, 1810 Oregonians, known as Oregon Volunteers, would serve the Union during the course of the Civil War. During the conflict, Oregon, as part of the Union's Department of the Pacific, raised one regiment of cavalry and one regiment of infantry. The First Oregon Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, officially First Oregon Cavalry, served from April 1862 to its mustering out on November 20, 1866, while the First Oregon Volunteer Infantry, respectively, was assigned to central Oregon and served from November 1864 to July 19, 1867. According to Fox's Regimental Losses, Oregon suffered 46 killed during the nation's four year Civil War, and the losses sustained by the state were the least of any Union state. Nevada, however, which received statehood on October 31, 1864, and just six months prior to cessation of hostilities, suffered 33 in killed.
Notable Oregonian Edward Dickinson Baker was a skilled lawyer, a renowned orator, and a member of President Lincoln’s inner circle. He was also the only United States senator ever to die in a military engagement. Edward D. Baker of Oregon was killed on October 21, 1861, while leading his Union regiment in the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Virginia. As a Union colonel, he had led the regiment that he helped raise when the Civil War began in the spring of 1861.

The Battle of Ball's Bluff, VA, was a disastrous Union defeat in the first year of the Civil War when Confederate Brig. Gen. Nathan "Shanks" Evans stopped a badly coordinated attempt by Union forces under Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone to cross the Potomac at Harrison's Island and capture Leesburg. On October 21, 1861, a Union force commanded by Col. Edward D. Baker crossed the Potomac River and scaled Ball's Bluff on the Virginia shore, determined to capture Leesburg. Quickly surrounded by confederates, Baker was killed and his men stampeded over the bluff. Many drowned, and their bodies washed ashore downstream in Washington. Ball's Bluff witnessed more than 900 Union casualties, while Confederate losses were approximately 150. This Union rout, coupled with Senator Baker's death, had severe political ramifications in Washington and led to the establishment of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, which investigated the defeat.

Baker had practiced law in Springfield, Illinois, before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1845, defeating his friend Abraham Lincoln for the Whig nomination. In 1846, he resigned from the House of Representatives to command a brigade in the Mexican War. Baker moved to Oregon in 1860 and was elected to the Senate that same year. A skilled orator, he made a lasting impression upon the Senate when, dressed in military uniform, he delivered his famous call to arms on August 1, 1861. “We will rally the people, the loyal people, of the whole country,” he exclaimed, “they will pour forth their treasure, their money, their men, without stint, without measure.” Senator Baker was struck during the Battle of Ball's Bluff at approximately four o’clock by a volley of bullets through his heart and brain that killed him instantly. Consequently, almost three years after his death (1864), Baker's widow, Mary Ann, was placed on the government pension roll, receiving $50 per month. Colonel Baker, however, was listed on the pension with the rank of brigadier-general (one rank above colonel) because at the time of his death, Lincoln had already nominated Baker for promotion to brigadier-general and said nomination had been pending confirmation by the US Senate.

 

 

While other notable persons with Oregon ties were some Medal of Honor recipients who spent their retirement years as Oregonians, Union Gen. George Wright, as a U.S. Army colonel prior to the Civil War, commanded the short-lived Department of Oregon (September 13, 1858 - January 15, 1861). See also Oregon Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients.

Prior to the Civil War, the United States Army established forts in the new territory to guard the Indian reservations and maintain a military presence, especially in areas where the settlers discovered gold. After Fort Sumter, the military believed it was necessary to move these detachments back east, which left state officials scrambling to restore a military presence. In 1861, a gold strike in Canyon City caused Native groups to retaliate against the scores of miners that were trespassing on their territorial land. The United States Army sent companies of volunteers from California to assist until the state was able to raise six companies of cavalry from its own population. The formation of the regiment began November 1861 and by the summer of 1862, the First Oregon Cavalry was serving throughout eastern Oregon and into southeastern Washington Territory. In early 1864, an infantry regiment was also raised. Company E of the First Oregon Cavalry was involved in a series of expeditions against Native population from 1863 to 1864. These expeditions were a part of the Snake Indian War, which refers to the major Native American conflicts in the Pacific Northwest in the Great Basin and Snake River areas of southeastern Oregon and southern Idaho. The Native groups were able to elude the First Oregon Cavalry until 1865. However, the United States Army was able to effectively subdue the Native population and force them onto reservations when they returned in 1866. Soldiers in the First Oregon Cavalry mustered out in 1866.

When general calls for troops from the Lincoln administration were placed upon the states at various dates during the war, no quotas were assigned to Oregon. While none of the state's units fought in any Civil War battle, the following narratives for both volunteer regiments indicate loyalty to the Union.

First Oregon Cavalry was organized at large in Oregon from February to April, 1862, and was under the command of Cols. Thomas R. Cornelius, Reuben F. Maury; Lieut.-
Cols. Reuben F. Maury, Charles S. Drew; Majs. Charles S. Drew, J. S. Rinearson, Sewall Truax. The regiment concentrated in Williamette Valley and ordered May, 1862, to Walla Walla Country and Mining Districts of Nez Perce and Salmon River Countries to protect emigrants and miners. Headquarters at Fort Walla Walla, Washington Territory.

Company "A" moved from near Oregon City to Fort Dalles; thence to Fort Walla Walls, Washington Territory, June 24-July 12, 1862. Left Fort Walla Walls July 25, 1862, for Salmon Falls on Snake River Expedition against Snake Indians in Idaho August 19-October 11, 1862, and protecting emigrant roads until November. At Fort Dalles until April, 1863. Ordered to Fort Walla Walla April 20. Expedition against Snake Indians in Idaho May 4-October 26, 1863. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to Snake River, Washington Territory, February 16-23, 1864, and to Southeastern Oregon April 30-October 6, 1864. Expedition from Fort Boise to Salmon Falls, Idaho Territory, and skirmishes August 27-October 5, 1864. At Fort Vancouver and other stations in Oregon and Idaho until muster out. Expedition from Camp Lyon, Idaho Territory, to Malheur River, Ore., and skirmish July 2-13, 1865.

Company "B" moved from Salem, Ore., to Fort Vancouver; thence to Fort Walls Walla via Fort Dalles May 14-June 2, 1862. Left Fort Walla Walla July 25. 1862, for Salmon Falls on Snake River. Expedition against Snake Indians in Idaho August 19-October 11, 1862, and protect emigrant roads until November 1, 1862. At Fort Walla Walla until April, 1863. Moved to Fort Lapwai June 13, 1863; thence to Canyon City July 10. Ordered to Fort Vancouver September 29, 1863, and duty there until April. 1864. Expedition to Southeastern Oregon and skirmishes April 20-October 6, 1864. Duty at Forts Vancouver, Walls Walla, Boies and other points in District of Oregon until muster out. Expedition from Camp Lyon, Idaho Territory, to Malheur River, Ore., and skirmish July 2-13, 1865.

Company "C" moved from near Oregon City to Fort Vancouver June 24, 1862. (A Detachment ordered to Jacksonville, Ore., July 2, 1862.) Duty there and at Klamath operating against Indians in Rogue River District until June, 1865. At Fort Steilacoom and other points in District of Oregon until muster out.

Company "D" moved from near Oregon City to Fort Dalles; thence to Fort Walls Walla June 24-July 12, 1862. Left Fort Walla Walla July 25 for Salmon Falls on Snake River. Expedition against Snake Indians in Idaho and protecting emigrant roads August 19 to October 11, 1862. At Fort Walla Walla November, 1862, to April, 1863. Expedition from Fort Walla Walls against Snake Indians in Idaho May 4-October 20, 1863. Ordered to Fort Dalles October 29, and duty there until April, 1864. Expedition to Southeastern Oregon and skirmishes April 20-October 6, 1864. Ordered to Fort Vancouver October 6, 1864. Duty at Fort Vancouver, Fort Walla Walls and other points in the District of Oregon until muster out. Expedition from Camp Lyon, Idaho Territory, to Malheur River, Ore., and skirmish July 2-13, 1865.

Company "E" moved from Salem to Fort Vancouver; thence to Fort Walla Walla via Fort Dalles May 14-June 3, 1862. Duty at Fort Walls Walla until April, 1863. Expedition to Grand Ronde Prairie August 10-22, 1862. Expedition against Snake Indians in Idaho May 4-October 20, 1863. At Fort Walls Walla until April, 1864. Expedition from Fort Walls Walls to Snake River, Washington Territory, February 16-23, 1864. Expedition from Fort Walla Walla to Southeastern Oregon and skirmishes April 20-October 6, 1864. At Forts Dalles, Colville and other points in District of Oregon until muster out.

Company "F" moved from near Oregon City to Fort Dalles; thence to Fort Walla Walla June 24-July 12, 1862. Duty near Lewiston, Nez Perce Reservation, July 25 to November 1, 1862. Garrison at Fort Lapwai until May, 1865. Expedition from Fort Lapwai to the Meadows August 22 to September 20, 1863. At Fort Walla Walla and other points in District of Oregon May, 1865, to muster out.

Companies "G," "H," "I," "K," "L" and "M" authorized January, 1863. Companies "G" and "H" at Camp Watson on Rock Creek, Ore.; Company "I" Fort Klamath, Company "K" at Fort Dalles and Companies "L" and "M" at Fort Boise. Expedition from Camp Lincoln, near Canyon City, to Harney Lake Valley March 24-April 16, 1864 (Detachment). Skirmish, Harney Lake Valley April 7 (Detachment). Expedition from Siletz Block House to Coos Bay, Crooked River, April 21-May 12, 1864 (Co. "D"). Skirmish, Crooked River May 18 (Detachment). Skirmish near Fort Klamath June 24, 1864 (Detachment). Expedition from Fort Boise to Booneville July 20-August 17, 1864 (Detachment). Expedition from Fort Boise to Salmon Falls, Idaho, August 27-October 5, 1864 (Detachment). Skirmish, Harney Lake Valley September 23, 1864 (Cos. "F" and "H"). Operations on Canyon City Road January 1 to November 30. Skirmish on Owyhee River July 17, 1865 (Detachment). Regiment mustered out November 20, 1866.

First Oregon Infantry was organized at large November 11, 1864, to January 2, 1865. Ordered to Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory, December 19, 1864. Duty in District of Oregon by Detachments at Fort Vancouver, Fort Klamath, Fort Yamhill, Fort Steilacoom, Fort Dalles, Fort Walls Walls, Colville, Fort Hoskins and Fort Boise, Idaho Territory, covering Boise and Snake River Country and the Owyhee Mines from Indian Raids. Mustered out July 19, 1867.

The unit was under the command of Col. George B. Curry; Lieut.-Cols. George B. Curry, John M. Drake; Maj. William V. Rinehart. This regiment, recruited from the state at large, was mustered into the U.S. service between Nov., 1864, and June, 1865, to serve for one and three years. Its field officers were all serving as captains in the 1st Oregon cavalry when promoted. It saw service against the Indians in Oregon and Idaho during 1865 and 1866, being employed during the former year in guarding the roads between the Dalles and Boise, Boise and Salt Lake, Owyhee and Chico, and Owyhee and Humboldt, Cal. In the fall of 1865 a portion of the command went into winter quarters at old Fort Hall, at the junction of the Salt Lake, Virginia City and Boise roads, the station being called Camp Lander. Another detachment made its winter quarters at Camp Reed, on the Salmon Falls creek, having only tents for shelter. In 1866, in the Harney Lake valley, Co. H, Capt. Loren L. Williams, did some of the best fighting of the season, being compelled to march a long distance on foot, surrounded by Indians, both mounted and on foot. They succeeded in killing 15 of the Indians, and escaped with a loss of only 1 killed and 2 wounded. In Oct., 1866, orders were received to disband the Oregon volunteers, and the regiment was mustered out by companies at different dates from Oct. 31, 1866, to July 19, 1867. See also Oregon American Civil War History

Aftermath

Agriculture, mining and logging remained the major industries in Oregon during Reconstruction.

Although the First Oregon Cavalry mustered out in 1866, tensions between settlers and Natives did not abate. When the Army returned to Oregon, they effectively subdued the Natives and forced them onto reservations. Conflicts continued on into the 1870s, with the Bannock War of 1878. Settlers from the Eastern United States continued to come to Oregon after the war, including 15,000 Civil War veterans.

In the 1880s, the proliferation of railroads assisted in marketing of the state's lumber and wheat, as well as the more rapid growth of its cities. This included the connection of the state to the Eastern United States via links to the transcontinental railroads that allowed for faster movement of goods and people. Immigration to Oregon increased after the connection to the east. Additional transportation improvements included the construction of several locks and canals to ease river navigation. See also: Oregon American Civil War History and Oregon in the Civil War (1861-1865).