This page is the 2025-2026 working revision of the history of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
“The 28th Massachusetts….” is a substantial and splendid accession to the brigade. It has sinew, heart and soul.”
– Brig Gen’l Thomas Francis Meagher
Introduction. The 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was one of the most distinguished Regiment of the US Army during the American Civil War, in Federal service from January 1862 until mustering out in June 1865. Recruited in the Fall of 1861 largely in the Boston, Massachusetts area, and of largely Irish/Irish-American extraction, it was from the start, a distinctly “Irish” unit, with the nickname of the “Fág-an-Bealac” (Gaelic meaning “Clear the Way”) Regiment along with a distinct green Regimental Color. (See below links for more on the Regimental nickname and flags.)
After initial action in the Carolinas, the 28th Massachusetts ultimately joined the Army of the Potomac. The Regiment was constantly in action during its existence, participating in every major campaign in the eastern theater after the Peninsula Campaign – from the 2nd Battle of Bull Run to the final Grand Review of the Armies after the war’s victorious conclusion. It was a member of the famed Irish Brigade from November 1862, an organization it had been raised to join.
The regiment was seventh in total killed or died of wounds (250) among all Union regiments (the 69th New York, another Irish Brigade regiment, ranked sixth). In fact, of 1,703 men who enlisted in the regiment during the war, 1,133 were killed, wounded, or missing.
Reference and Background Material
- The Dyer’s Compendium (1908) entry for the 28th Massachusetts.
- The roster of the original Company B
- The historic Flags of the 28th Massachusetts.
- ”Faugh-a Ballagh” (Clear the Way)
Regimental History. Below, in 5 parts, is a “year by year, day by day” account of the Regiment’s History, as compiled by members of the recreated Regiment.
- Part One – 1861. the formation of the Regiment in Massachusetts and entry to Federal Service. (Planned)
- Part Two – 1862. Initial deployment to the Carolinas; Service with the Ninth Corps, Army of the Potomac encompassing the Battles of 2nd Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam; Transfer to the Second Corps and the Irish Brigade, and the Battle of Fredericksburg. (In Work)
- Part Three – 1863. A year of hard marching and fighting, including the Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Mine Run Campaigns. (In Work)
- Part Four- 1864. The Overland Campaign leading to the siege at Petersburg. (Planned)
- Part Five – 1865. The Petersburg and Appomattox campaigns; Victory, and end of Service, (Planned)
List of Battles and Engagements
1862
Secessionville, SC (June 16) 70 killed, wounded, missing
Second Bull Run (Aug 29-30) 135 killed, wounded, missing
Chantilly (Sept. 1) 99 killed, wounded, missing
South Mountain (Sept. 14) 6 wounded
Antietam (Sept. 17) 48 killed, wounded, missing
Fredericksburg (Dec. 13) 157 killed, wounded, missing
1863
Chancellorsville (May 3) 26 killed, wounded, missing
Gettysburg (July 1-3) 107 killed, wounded, missing
Mine Run Campaign (Fall) 18 killed, wounded, missing
1864
Wilderness (May 5-7) 119 killed, wounded, missing
Po River (May 9-10) 18 killed, wounded, missing
Spottsylvania (May 12 & 18) 117 killed, wounded, missing
Cold Harbor (June 3) 47 killed, wounded, missing
Petersburg (June 16) 19 killed, wounded, missing
Small actions (Jerusalem Plank Road, Deep Bottom,Reams Station): 89 killed, wounded, missing
1865
Hatcher’s Run (March 29)
Sutherland Station (April 2)