James J. Shields: Tyrone Native Served America Well—and Often Library of Congress James Shields Born in County Tyrone, Ireland in May 1806, James Shields arrived in America in the 1820s a penniless Irish Catholic immigrant, without a friend or patron. By the time he died in 1879 at age 73, Shields had ably served as a soldier, a teacher, a lawyer, a judge, an Illinois Supreme Court justice, and a state auditor. These were in addition to his service as a state representative, a brevet major general in the Mexican War; military governor of Tampico, Mexico; territorial land agent; U.S. senator for, respectively, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri; and brigadier general of Union troops. WGT's Pat Hickey tells his story.

This Week in Irish History Naval Museum at San Isidro, Argentina Admiral William Brown IN IRELAND: Bobby Sands dies on hunger strike at Long Kesh prison. The Lusitania is sunk near Old Head, off the southern Irish coast. James Shields, who would have one of the most remarkable careers in American history, is born in County Tyrone. IN SOUTH AMERICA: William Brown, of Foxford, Co. Mayo, an Admiral in the Argentine navy, dies in Buenos Aires. IN EUROPE: the Irish Brigade of France, whose soldiers are most identified in Irish history as The Wild Geese, achieves its most glorious victory at the Battle of Fontenoy. More. Key dates.

'The Harp and the Eagle': How the Irish Got Their Foothold Click on the cover to buy. Nearly every ethnic group new to American shores has struggled to achieve the stability and wealth that comprised the proverbial, often elusive, American dream. Author Susannah Ural Bruce showcases the price that Irish Catholic immigrants paid during the tumultuous, ultimately defining years of America's Civil War. In her book "The Harp and the Eagle," Bruce plunges head first into the period's complex terrain. Historian Michael Kraus assesses the book for WGT.

WGT—YOUR EVERGREEN STOP FOR UNIQUE HERITAGE GIFTS Ornaments, Books, Music, CDs, Clothing, Calendars, Gear, Historical Art, Much More.

Flags of the Irish Brigade of France t-shirts (pictured) messenger bags, clothing for baby, underwear, housewares, sweatshirts, hats, and mugs featuring our Irish Brigade, Irish Brigade of France or other totally unique graphics. You won't find these items anywhere else but here. IRISH BRIGADE GEAR FOR HIM AND HER! THE WILD GEESE TODAY LINE OF MERCHANDISE IRISH AMERICA: THE FENIAN TRADITION — SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS! EXPLORE WGT'S IRISH BRIGADE OF FRANCE SHOP Get a "Ulysses S. Grant and the Irish" commemorative item

Irish Rep's 'Disciple' A Devilishly Good Play

"The Devil's Disciple" by George Bernard Shaw, now up at Manhattan's Irish Reportory Theatre, while not one of his major works, offers a fine evening, indeed. Read a review by WGT's Patricia Jameson-Sammartano on WGT's blog. More in WGT's Blog

To learn about WGT's news and features syndication service, contact us via e-mail.