Waterford in County Waterford, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Thomas Francis Meagher
Irish Nationalist and American Civil War Hero (1823–1867)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026
1. Thomas Francis Meagher Marker
Thomas Francis Meagher, born in Waterford, came to national prominence through his involvement in Daniel O’Connell’s Repeal Movement, and subsequently as one of the leaders and principal orator of the Young Ireland movement.
In March 1848, after meeting the new French Republican Government in Paris, 25-year old Meagher returned to Waterford and introduced to the public a green white and orange tricolour with the sentiment —
“The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the ‘Orange’ and the ‘Green’, and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood”.
Meagher’s tricolour endured as a popular symbol and in time became the national flag of Ireland.
After the abortive 1848 Young Ireland uprising, he was transported to Tasmania, from where he escaped to America in 1852. There, Meagher gained prominence in Irish American society, became a citizen in 1857, practiced law, edited the Irish News, and entered politics. On the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Meagher volunteered to serve the Union. Appointed Brigadier General
this page online
The Irish Brigade gained the respect of friend and foe for its character and bravery:
“The gallant stand which this bold brigade made on the heights of Fredericksburg is well known. Never were men so brave. They ennobled their race by their splendid gallantry on that desperate occasion”. — General Robert E. Lee.
“The brilliance of their Irish Brigade was beyond description. We forgot they were fighting us and cheer after cheer at their fearlessness went up along our lines”. — General George Pickett.
Today in Leinster House there hangs a battle flag of the Irish Brigade. It was presented in June 1963 to the Irish people by President John F. Kennedy in acknowledgement of the achievements of Meagher and the Brigade.
From 1865 to 1867, Meagher served as Secretary and Acting Governor of Montana Territory. He died on 1 July 1867 at Fort Benton.
This monument and plaza to Thomas Francis Meagher was dedicated by the President of the Council of the European Union (Environment) Mr. Martin
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026
2. Thomas Francis Meagher Sculpture
The statue of Irish nationalist Thomas Francis Meagher.
Erected 2004.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1848.
Location. 52° 15.619′ N, 7° 6.309′ W. Marker is in Waterford, Munster, in County Waterford. It is at the intersection of Mall Lane and Adelphi Quay, in the median on Mall Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Mall Lane, Waterford, Munster, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Ancient East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Reginald's Tower (a few steps from this marker); Dundory / Reginald's Tower (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Reginald's Tower (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Reginald's Tower (a few steps from this marker); Waterford Steamship Co. (a few steps from this marker); S.S. Coningbeg (within shouting distance of this marker); Medieval City Walls (within shouting distance of this marker); S.S. Formby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterford.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026
3. Thomas Francis Meagher Statue Dedication
Dedicated to the memory of Thomas Francis Meagher 1823–1867 by Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government in the presence of the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Seamus Ryan and the members of Waterford City Council.
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I gcuimhne ar Thomas Proinsias Ó Meachair 1823–1867. Leinonaigh Máirtín Ó Cuilinn T.D., Aire Chomhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil an leacht seo. Comhairleoir Séamus Ó Riain, Méara Phort Láirge, agus Baill Chomhairle Chathrach Phort Láirge, i láthair.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 21, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
