Fairfax, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gen. Corcoran

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 31, 2014

1. Gen. Corcoran Marker

Inscription. General Michael Corcoran died at the W. P. Gunnell House near here on 22 Dec. 1863 after being thrown from a runaway horse on Ox Road, a quarter mile to the south. Corcoran headed all area Washington Defense Department forces at the time. Corcoran at the request of President Lincoln, organized and led the Union’s “Irish Legion.” Also, he commanded the “Fenian Brotherhood” of New York, pledged to Irish independence.

Erected 2013 by City of Fairfax—Historic Fairfax City Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 22, 1863.

Location. 38° 50.812′ N, 77° 18.484′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Main Street and West Street (at the turn to North Street), on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairfax VA 22030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Fairfax Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Mosby (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. William Gunnell House (about 400 feet away); Fairfax County Courthouse

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(about 400 feet away); Fairfax Court House (about 400 feet away); Fairfax County Memorial To Those Who Died In Service To Our Country (about 400 feet away); Efe Quality House (about 400 feet away); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Other markers no longer nearby. Monument to John Q. Marr (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fairfax County Courthouse (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Gen. Corcoran. The Irish Legion, also known as Corcoran’s Brigade, was composed of the 155th, 164th, 170th, 175th, and 182nd New York Infantry. It was commanded by Brigadier General Michael Corcoran.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia Entry for Michael Corcoran. “While Corcoran was imprisoned [by the Confederates] the U.S. had made threats to execute captured Confederate privateers. Corcoran and several other Union prisoners were selected by lot for execution if the U.S. carried out its threats against the

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 31, 2014

2. Gen. Corcoran Marker

privateers. This event was known as the Enchantress Affair, but no executions were ever carried out by either side. Corcoran was then offered a parole under the conditions that he not take up arms against the Confederacy. Intending to resume his place in the Union army upon his release he refused the offer of parole. He was appointed Brigadier General of volunteers in July and exchanged in August 1862. His role in the Enchantress Affair and his refusal for parole gained him some attention and upon his release he was invited to dinner with President Abraham Lincoln.” (Submitted on August 31, 2014.)

2. Wikipedia Entry for Fenian Brotherhood. Both Fenian factions raised money by the issue of bonds in the name of the ‘Irish Republic,’ which were bought by the faithful in the expectation of their being honored when Ireland should be ‘A Nation Once Again.’ These bonds were to be redeemed ‘six months after the recognition of the independence of Ireland.’ Hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants subscribed.” (Submitted on September 1, 2014.)

General Michael Corcoran, U.S.A. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mathew Brady, circa 1860

3. General Michael Corcoran, U.S.A.

This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’ Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.03187.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.