San Patricios

During the Mexican-American War a number of Irish-American deserters from the U.S. Army fought on the side of Mexico. These men called themselves the "Saint Patrick's Brigade," but are more commonly referred to as the "San Patricios." Originally Catholic immigrants from Ireland, the 1840's were a rough time for Irish-Catholics who were resented and discriminated against by the Protestant Native-born Americans. The same type of prejudice followed one such immigrant into the U.S. Army, John Riley. After experiencing anti-Catholic prejudice by the majority Native Protestant officer class, Riley and a number of others deserted the U.S. Army and made their way to the Mexican side where they volunteered to fight for Mexico. When war as declared between the two nations, Riley and the San Patricios fought valiantly for Mexico, but were eventually defeated and captured at the Battle of Churubusco in 1847. Because Riley and his original deserters had left the U.S. Army before the war began, they received whippings and brandings as their punishment. However, for those others who deserted from the U.S. Army and joined the brigade after the war started, death was the punishment.

Today the San Patricios have earned a place in the history of the nation of Mexico and are remembered as patriots who fought against the American invaders. In their homeland of Ireland, the San Patricios are honored as protectors of those oppressed because of their Catholic religion. In both Mexico an Ireland, memorials have been erected and celebrations are performed annually in their memory. As their leader, John Riley has earned a special place in the hearts of Catholics from Ireland to Mexico.

And while the San Particios are still mostly remembered as deserters in the United States, it is important for Americans to know the truth about these men. They came to America seeking freedom and equality but only found prejudice and religious intolerance. While Americans claim to be the most open and accepting people in the world, this has not always been the case. And by presenting this type of historical prejudice, Americans might be able to recognize prejudice and discrimination in modern society.