Thread by @AmRevResurrect

It’s St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, so let’s celebrate the Irish contributions to the American Revolution. Many Irish-born and Irish-American figures played key roles in securing American independence.

Here are some of the most famous. 🧵🇺🇸☘️ #AmRev #StPatricksDay

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Richard Montgomery (1738-1775) was a British officer-turned-Patriot general. He led the invasion of Canada and captured Montreal but was killed at Quebec—becoming one of the first great martyrs of the Revolution.

Born in County Wexford, Ireland, John Barry (1745-1803) is known as the “Father of the U.S. Navy.” He captained Patriot warships, captured British vessels, and helped train America’s first naval officers. Washington personally trusted him with vital missions.

Born in County Offaly, Ireland, Edward Hand (1744-1802) was a doctor turned military officer. He commanded troops at Long Island, Trenton, and Saratoga, later serving as Adjutant General under Washington. His strategic retreats saved Patriot forces multiple times.

An Irish-born tailor in New York, Hercules Mulligan (1740-1825) was one of Washington’s key spies. He gained intelligence from British officers while making their clothes and warned Washington of assassination plots, saving his life multiple times.

Born in County Antrim, Ireland, James McHenry (1753-1816) served as a military surgeon and later became Washington’s Secretary of War. Fort McHenry, which inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is named in his honor.

Born in Cork, Ireland, Stephen Moylan (1737-1811) was one of Washington’s top aides. He helped organize the Continental cavalry, was a key diplomat to Spain, and later fought in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The son of Irish immigrants, Matthias Ogden (1754-1791) served as a lieutenant colonel and led a daring raid on Staten Island. He fought at Quebec, Brandywine, and Monmouth and was a close confidant of Washington.

The son of Irish immigrants, John Sullivan (1740-1795) was a major general in the Continental Army. He led the Sullivan Expedition, devastating British-allied Iroquois forces. He also fought at Long Island, Trenton, and Rhode Island.

Ethan Allen’s family was of Irish descent, and he became one of the most famous frontier leaders of the Revolution. As the leader of the Green Mountain Boys, he helped capture Fort Ticonderoga, securing key artillery for Washington’s army.

Many Irishmen saw parallels between American and Irish struggles against British rule. Irish soldiers, merchants, and laborers played key roles, and thousands of Irish immigrants fought for independence.

Which Irish-born Patriot had the biggest impact on the Revolution? How did Irish contributions shape early America? ☘️🇺🇸 #AmRev #StPatricksDay