Articles Tagged "Parades"

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and nowhere is that more true than in Atlanta, home of one of the country's oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parades. Want to partake in some luck o' the Irish as you tour Atlanta homes for sale? Here's what you should know to join in the fun and festivities on Saturday, March 16.

History of the St. Patrick's Day Parade

In 1858, the Hibernian Benevolent Society held Atlanta's first St. Patrick's Day parade to honor the rich heritage of Irish immigrants in the city. Specific recognition was given to Father Thomas O'Reilly and the Hibernian Rifles, who played an important role in Atlanta during the Civil War.

Father O'Reilly earned respect tending to the religious needs of both Union and Confederate soldiers. When General William Sherman captured Atlanta, O'Reilly led a group that ultimately convinced Sherman to spare City Hall, the courthouse, and five churches, including O'Reilly's own Immaculate Conception.

The Hibernian Rifles, named after a nationalist militia group in Ireland, also stood up against Sherman's "scorched earth" campaign. In gratitude, Oakland Cemetery set aside a plot dedicated to the Hibernian Rifles and members of the HBS.

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