Approximately one in four soldiers who enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War were immigrants to the United States. They came to America looking for a better life, with many escaping political strife, famine, and persecution. America was viewed as a land of opportunity, offering freedom and a place to begin a new life. Most European immigrants arrived in New York and settled in northern states, where they found greater job opportunities. Thus, when the Civil War broke out, immigrants generally enlisted in the Union Army, with far fewer enlisting in the Confederate Army. The contributions of immigrant soldiers played a pivotal role in a Union victory.
Germany and Ireland supplied most immigrant enlistees to the Union Army, though soldiers came from other countries, including Italy, Poland, China, Hungary, the Philippines, and Japan. They enlisted for various reasons, but for some, it was an opportunity to gain acceptance by showing allegiance to their newly adopted country.
James McGaffigan was born in Ireland and immigrated to New York. When President Lincoln called for volunteers in April 1861, military officials set up a recruitment office on the corner of Broadway and Walker Street in New York City. The building was adorned with Irish shamrock banners flying alongside the stars and stripes. It was the headquarters of the Irish Brigade (a group of regiments consisting of Irish volunteers). On August 7, 1861, McGaffigan, a 46-year-old husband and father of five, enlisted as a private in the NY 63rd Infantry, Company A.
In February 1862, while stationed at Camp California outside Alexandria, Virginia, McGaffigan wrote a letter home. “I was glad to hear that you and the children were in good health… tell Patrick to be a good boy till I come home again, and I will make him a present from some pretty things that I shall bring from the south for him…” Seven months later, in September 1862, the NY 63rd showed its mettle during intense fighting at Antietam. While trying to secure a sunken road, later known as The Bloody Lane, the 63rd endured appalling casualties. Nearly 60% of the regiment were killed, wounded, or missing. Among those who died that day was James McGaffigan.
Another Union Army immigrant was Gottfried Fink. Fink immigrated with his family from Wurttemberg in 1854. Their 30-day Atlantic crossing was fraught with storms and heavy seas, and the ship ahead of theirs sank, claiming 700 lives. Fink recalled that his mother made enough dry toast to last the entire voyage, and they ate some each day. After arriving in New York, the Fink family settled in Delaware County, Ohio. When war broke out, Fink enlisted in the 180th Infantry, Company G. He was 19 years old and served throughout the war until he was mustered out at Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1865. He then enlisted in the 5th U.S. Infantry and served another three years in Colorado and New Mexico. He was always proud of his service and was active in the G.A.R. until his death in 1937 at 92.
Do you have immigrant ancestors who served in the Civil War? Learn more about their service and impact on history by searching our Civil War records collection today on Fold3®.