San Patricios Battalion Plaque |
The San Patricio’s, or Saint Patrick's Battalion is a little known part of our
history. They fought during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), but many of them left the U.S. Army to form their own battalion and fight for the Mexican army. Americans
called them traitors and deserters. Mexicans called them heroes. What would
prompt a group of men to leave their army to fight for the opposition?
In Ireland in 1845, the great potato famine started.
Millions of people would die and thousands would immigrate in an attempt to survive and to provide for their families. Many of the Irish who immigrated
to the United States joined the army in hopes of food and payment. The US was
on the brink of war with Mexico and the Irishmen were willing to fight for
their new country.
Instead of being treated equally, these men were often given
the worst jobs and treated poorly. They
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Battle of Chapultepec |
Just prior to the start of the way, some of the Mexican
generals found out about the plight of these men. As fellow Catholics, they
felt sympathy for them. Fliers were made up offering anyone who would desert the U.S., and fight for the Mexican army, a plot of land and money, which they could claim
at the end of the war. To the beleaguered Irishmen, this sounded like a dream
come true.

The San Patricios made a banner for their battalion. The
bright green background sported an Irish harp and under that the words, “Erin
go Bragh.” Beneath that was the Mexican coat of arms with the words “Libertad
por la Republica Mexicana.” The other side of the flag showed the image of
Saint Patrick and said, “San Patricio.”
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Battle of Churubusco |
The San Patricios fought for the first time at the battle of
Monterrey. In 1847, when Zachary Taylor’s army attacked Buena Vista, the San
Patricios were able to seize some of the cannons. They fought hard, but didn’t
win the battle. They were forced to retreat. The San Patricios final battle was
at Churubusco. They fought hard, but many died or were captured. Only a few
were able to flee to Mexico City.
John O’Reilly was captured at Churubusco, along with eighty-five
of his men. A few were released since they had not been part of the American
army and were not considered deserters. The others were tried for desertion and all found guilty.
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Hanging at Chapultepec |
Many of the deserters were
hanged. The most famous of these hangings happened at Mixcoac, on a hill
overlooking the fortress of Chapultepec. Thirty men stood on a gallows with the noose around their necks watching
the Battle of Chapultepec. When the American flag was raised over the fortress,
the men were hanged.
On September 12, 1997, the Mexican government paid tribute
to these soldiers, whom they consider heroes. They are considered martyrs, who
fought for their beliefs. From many an American viewpoint, they are still
considered traitors. I've often pondered the choices these men made. They
wanted to fight for what they needed and also with those of like faith. They
were brave and fearless, intelligent and determined. All they really wanted was a way to live and provide for themselves and their family.
What are your thoughts about these men? Have you read about the San Patricios before? I would love to hear from you.
What are your thoughts about these men? Have you read about the San Patricios before? I would love to hear from you.

Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of San Patricio's Battalion. I hate war and I feel sorry for those men who had such high hopes and dreams for a better future. It seems these men were used inappropriately on both sides. They were just trying to make a differenc for their families and escape the potato famine. I guess they had to be held responsible for their actions but I still think it was a horrible waste of life.
Jill, thank you for your comments. I agree that war is terrible and the choices they made were very difficult and came at great cost. Brave men. Sad story.
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