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Irish-American trivia: 10 patriotic facts about the Irish in America

By
MEGHAN SWEENEY,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8:46 AM
Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:40 PM

 

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Three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland
Three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in Ireland

Photo gallery of Irish-American fast facts: CLICK HERE

When you think "Irish America" you think Catholicism in the U.S., JFK , St. Patrick's Day parades and Irish pride.

But Irish-American ties run deeper than one might expect on first glance.

For instance, did you know an Irishman was the first person to step off Columbus' ship and set foot on American ground?

Or did you know it was an Irish-American who was the first U.S. woman to walk in space?

On this Fourth of July, IrishCentral celebrates Irish accomplishments in America, and presents to you 10 interesting, if not surprising, Irish-American facts.

1. An Irishman was the first of Christopher Columbus’ crew to step on American soil

There were several Irishmen in Christopher Columbus’ crew. But the one who stands out most is Patrick Maguire. In 1492, Irish-born Maguire was the first crew member of Christopher Columbus’ to set foot on North American ground.

2. At least 15 U.S. Presidents have confirmed Irish ancestry

It’s thought that over 40 percent of all American presidents have some Irish ancestry, but at least 15 of them have confirmed their Irish heritage. The “most Irish” presidents are Andrew Jackson and James Buchanan, both of whose parents were born in Ireland. To find out the rest of the “Irish” U.S. presidents, click here. (link to list)

3. The first American general to die during the Revolutionary War was Irish

It’s said by some historians that Dubliner Richard Montgomery, who first served in the British Army during the French and Indian War, but later joined the Americans’ fight for independence, is the first general to have been killed in battle during the Revolutionary War.

The Brigadier General in the Continental Army, Montgomery was killed in the Battle of Quebec during the 1775 invasion of Canada.

The U.S. has honored Montgomery in numerous ways. The Navy has named several ships USS Montgomery after the Irishman, Philadelphia has a statue of Montgomery in Fairmount Park and several schools in the country are named after the Revolutionary War general.

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