Donegal-Born Brigadier Michael Corcorans Irish Legion Is Mustered Into the Federal Service; It Is Involved in the Defense of Washington D.C.

Michael Corcoran (September 21, 1827 – December 22, 1863) was an Irish-American general in the Union Army during the American Civil War and a close confidant of President Abraham Lincoln.

Corcoran was born in Carrowkeel, near Ballysadare, County Sligo in Ireland, the only child of Thomas Corcoran, an officer in the British Army, and Mary (McDonagh) Corcoran. Through his mother, he claimed descent from Patrick Sarsfield, hero of the Williamite War in Ireland and a leader of the Wild Geese.

As its colonel, he led the 69th New York Regiment to Washington, D.C., and was one of the first to serve in the defense of Washington by building Fort Corcoran. He then led the 69th into action at the First Battle of Bull Run. After promotion to brigadier general, he left the 69th and formed the Corcoran Legion, consisting of at least five other New York regiments.

69th Infantry Regiment (New York)

In 1860 Brigadier General Michael Corcoran was appointed as colonel of the 69th

The Irish Legion, officially known as the 69th New York Volunteer Regiment or the 1st Regiment, Irish Brigade, was mustered into the Federal service. This unit became part of the Union Army during the American Civil War.

The 69th New York played a notable role in the defense of Washington, D.C., but Michael Corcoran was not directly involved in the initial defense.

He had a controversial start to the war; initially, he refused to parade his regiment for the departure to the the regiment for the visiting Prince of Wales in protest against British rule in Ireland. He was removed from command, but a planned court-martial against him was dropped when the American Civil War broke out.

This led to his arrest, and he was briefly held as a prisoner of war by the Union Army. However, after his release, Corcoran continued to serve with distinction.

The Irish Brigade, including the 69th New York, went on to participate in several significant battles during the Civil War, such as the First Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. Their service and sacrifices earned them a lasting place in the history of the war.