Immigrant of the Day: Thomas Francis Meagher (Ireland)

Thomas Francis Meagher (1823–1867), as a young man, was an Irish revolutionary, fighting for Ireland’s independence from British rule. During this time, Meagher introduced the flag that is now regarded as the national Flag of Ireland. In 1848, Meagher was convicted of sedition by the United Kingdom, and sentenced to death. Due to public outcry, his sentence was commuted to expulsion to Van Diemen’s Land on the Australian state of Tasmania.

In 1852, Meagher escaped to the United States and arrived in New York City. Once in the United States he joined the United States Army and served as a Brigadier General during the Civil War, and most notably forming and leading the famous Irish Brigade, which fought valiantly in many battles including Gettysburg.  When the Civil War broke out, he raised Company K, Irish Zouaves, for the 69th New York State Militia Regiment which fought at First Bull Run.  He commanded the Irish Brigade.

After the war, Meagher served as acting governor of the Montana Territory. In 1867, Meagher drowned in the Missouri River. 

KJ