90th Illinois Infantry Regiment
| 90th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry "The Irish Legion" | |
|---|---|
 Illinois state flag | |
| Active | September 7, 1862, to June 10, 1865 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Engagements | |
| Illinois U.S. Volunteer Infantry Regiments 1861-1865 | ||||
|
The 90th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Service
The 90th Illinois Infantry was organized at Chicago, Illinois and mustered into Federal service on September 7, 1862. Nicknamed the "Irish Legion" or the "Second Irish". On two occasions, the unit included a disguised woman (Frances Elizabeth Quinn) in its ranks. The first time she was discovered and dismissed within a month by Colonel Tomothy O'Meara. She rejoined under a different name, and a new commander, a year later. She was successful until captured and discovered by confederate soldiers.
A captain in the 90th Illinois Infantry named Thomas K. Barrett was presented a US M1850 foot officer's sword by the citizens of Ottawa as a Token of their esteem and appreciation at camp Dunne Illinois, September 4th, 1862. the sword had the following inscription on its scabbard: "Presented by the citizens of Ottawa. Capt. Thomas K. Barrett as a token of their esteem and appreciation at camp Dunne Illinois September 4th 1862"[1]
The regiment was mustered out on June 10, 1865.
Total strength and casualties
The regiment suffered 2 officers and 58 enlisted men who were killed in action or who died of their wounds and 1 officer and 87 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 148 fatalities.[2]
Commanders
- Colonel Timothy O'Meara - killed in action at the Battle of Missionary Ridge.
- Lieutenant Colonel Owen Stewart - Mustered out with the regiment.[3]
See also
References
Citations
- ↑ "Civil War Ames M1850 Officer's Sword with Inscribed Scabbard". Rock Island Auction Company. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
- ↑ http://www.civilwararchive.com/Unreghst/unilinf7.htm#90th The Civil War Archive website after Dyer, Frederick Henry. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. 3 vols. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1959.
- ↑ http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilcivilw/f&s/090-fs.htm Illinois in the Civil war website after Illinois Adjutant General's muster rolls
Sources
External links
- Battle Flags of the 90th Illinois Volunteer Infantry[link removed]