Irish Legion: 90th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

On March 2 from 2 to 3 p.m.  James B. Swan, author of the book “Chicago’s Irish Legion, the 90^th Illinois Volunteers in the Civil War” will tell the stories of this little-known Illinois regiment and its flag.

Recruits for the 90^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry came from Springfield, Chicago and towns across Northern Illinois, but the regiment was truly Irish: 70 percent of the officers and enlisted men were born in Ireland. Under a regimental flag that prominently and proudly displayed the harp of Erin, the unit marched and fought in General Sherman’s XVth Corps across seven Confederate states and helped capture three Confederate state capitols.

Also on March 2, the Military Museum will unveil a new display case showing a third version of the 90^th Illinois regimental colors that will be on display through May. The Military Museum’s new display case is a significant addition to the Museum because it will now allow showcasing flags from its collection on a quarterly schedule. The Museum is home to more than 1,000 battle flags from the Mexican War to the current Global War on Terror.

Museum admission and parking are free. The Military Museum is two blocks north of the intersection of MacArthur Blvd. and North Grand Ave. For more information call (217) 761-3910.