The 28th Irish Regiment of Massachusetts Was Officially Authorized by Governor John Andrew on September 24, 1861

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Flag of the 28th Irish Massachusetts Regiment, courtesy of the 28th Irish Regiment Rejectors

The famous brigade of Irish immigrants that fought valiantly in the American Civil War,  the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was officially authorized by Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew on September 24, 1861.

Colonel Thomas Murphy, formerly of the Montgomery Guards, New York, was the commander.  The regiment's motto was "FAUGH BEALACHS" (Clear the Road). 

On October 6, 1861, the Boston Pilot, published by Patrick Donoahoe, ran this advertisement announcing the newly formed regiment, which was known as the Second Irish Regiment, the Ninth Irish Regiment being the first, and invited "Irishmen and Sons of Irishmen" to "rally forth for your country's good, at your country's call, now that authority has been granted by Governor Andrew to raise another regiment."


According to State House Flag Historian Stephen Hill, the 28th Massachusetts carried four Irish colors during its service in the Civil War.  Three were presented by the City of Boston and one by General Thomas Meagher on the 28th's incorporation into the Irish Brigade in December 1862  The 28th was the only regiment to carry the Irish flag at Fredericksburg, the color of the New York regiments having been turned in, and the new ones not yet arrived.

In addition, the 28th fought at Antietam, Gettysburg, Overland, Petersburg and Chancellorsville.  The regiment was present for General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S.Grant at Appomattox Court House. According to records, "During its four fighting years the regiment lost 15 officers and 235 enlisted men."

In 1984, a group of reenactors formed the 28th Massachusetts 4th regiment Irish Brigade  to remember the bravery of the regiment.  


On Saturday, November 7, 1992, the reenactors gathered on Boston Common for a full day of drills, living history, photographs and a parade in review.  They were greeted by Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn and Parks Commission Larry Dwyer.  In the afternoon the Massachusetts Irish Volunteers marched to the Public Garden, where they stopped to pay tribute at the statue of Colonel Thomas Cass, Irish-born commander of the Massachusetts 9th Irish Regiment. 

You can find more information on the 28th Irish Regiment by clicking here.

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