Civil War: Notable Hispanics

 

Luis F. Emilio

Augusto Rodríguez

Son of a Spanish immigrant, Luis F. Emilio lied about his age to enlist young and became a captain (later acting commander) in the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments. He fought in the brutal assault on Fort Wagner and later chronicled the regiment’s history.

A Puerto Rican immigrant and Union lieutenant in the 15th Connecticut Regiment, Augusto Rodríguez helped defend Washington, D.C., and fought at Fredericksburg. A West Point attendee or graduate in some accounts, he exemplified immigrant service and continued public service as a firefighter after the war.

There were two notable Latino Medal of Honor recipients in the Union Navy: John Ortega (Spanish-born) served on the USS Saratoga enforcing the blockade, while Philip Bazaar (Chilean) distinguished himself in the assault on Fort Fisher.

Treasure Legends of the Civil War

The Civil War Wedding