Jeremiah O’Brien

The Revolutionary Irish

When the American Revolution erupted in June, 1775, the Irish and Scots-Irish living in New England quickly joined the colonial side to fight for American independence. After all, they knew…

When the American Revolution erupted in June, 1775, the Irish and Scots-Irish living in New England quickly joined the colonial side to fight for American independence. After all, they knew sometime about revolution, and about meeting the British in battle. Here are a few of their names.  Major General John Sullivan was the son of…

Plaque to Jeremiah O'Brien at Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House Unveils Plaque to American Revolution Naval Hero Jeremiah O’Brien

On June 12, 1937 a plaque dedicated to Captain Jeremiah O’Brien was unveiled at the Massachusetts State House commemorating O’Brien’s “distinguished services for winning the first navel engagement in the…

On June 12, 1937 a plaque dedicated to Captain Jeremiah O’Brien was unveiled at the Massachusetts State House commemorating O’Brien’s “distinguished services for winning the first navel engagement in the War of the Revolution and of his subsequent exploits in said war as the first regularly commissioned naval officer  and commander of the Revolutionary Navy of…

Irish holidings MA State House

Irish Art, Statues and Rare Artifacts at the Massachusetts State House, along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail

The Massachusetts State House has a number of beautiful and rare works of art and artifacts relating to the Irish-American experience, and is a featured stop along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail….

The Massachusetts State House has a number of beautiful and rare works of art and artifacts relating to the Irish-American experience, and is a featured stop along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail.   The incredible collection of art and artifacts is maintained and curated by the State House Art Commission. Here is just a selection of items worth…

American Revolution Landmarks on Boston's Irish Heritage Trail

Boston Landmarks Depict Irish and Scots-Irish Heroics in the American Revolution

Irish and Scots-Irish immigrants played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, as evidenced by the number of public landmarks that relate to their heroics and sacrifice. From Commodore John…

Irish and Scots-Irish immigrants played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, as evidenced by the number of public landmarks that relate to their heroics and sacrifice. From Commodore John Barry and General John Sullivan to Boston Massacre victim Patrick Carr and the Scots-Irish who fought at Bunker Hill and Dorchester Heights, the Irish were…

The Colonial Irish Role in the American Revolution, found along the Boston Irish Heritage Trail

Did you know that Irish immigrants played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War? From Commodore John Barry and General John Sullivan to Boston Massacre victim Patrick Carr and the…

Did you know that Irish immigrants played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War? From Commodore John Barry and General John Sullivan to Boston Massacre victim Patrick Carr and the Scots-Irish who fought at Bunker Hill, the Irish were everywhere during the quest for independence. The Boston Irish Heritage Trail gives a fascinating overview of Irish landmarks…

On June 12, 1775, Maine Sailor Jeremiah O’Brien Waged the first Naval Battle of the American Revolution

Photo Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command On June 12, 1775, the first naval battle of the American Revolution took place off the coast of Machias, Maine. That is…

Photo Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command On June 12, 1775, the first naval battle of the American Revolution took place off the coast of Machias, Maine. That is the day when Jeremiah O’Brien (1744-1818) his four brothers and fellow townsmen from Machias created the “first act of Colonial piracy” in the war by…

The New England Irish Connections to Bunker Hill

Photo by Peter H. Dreyer, Boston City Archives Bunker Hill Day is celebrated in Boston each June 17 to mark the famous Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June…

Photo by Peter H. Dreyer, Boston City Archives Bunker Hill Day is celebrated in Boston each June 17 to mark the famous Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17, 1775 between American colonists and British troops.  The Bunker Hill Monument was built to recognize the sacrifice of the colonists fighting against British rule. The British…

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