"Iron Palmetto" Palmetto Regiment Monument Shirt

Historical Background: The Palmetto Regiment, South Carolina’s contribution to the Mexican War (1846–1848), was formed on June 29, 1846, with Pierce Mason Butler elected as colonel. Initially the War Department informed the Palmettos that they were not needed. Finally, on November 16, a South Carolina regiment was requested for immediate service. Since the term of enlistment was changed from one year to the duration of the war, the regiment had to be rebuilt. This proved difficult but was finally accomplished, and the regiment reported to Camp Magnolia, near Charleston. On December 27–28 the Palmettos departed for Mobile, Alabama. From Mobile they sailed to Lobos Island and, after intensive training, landed on March 8, 1847, below Vera Cruz, helping to establish the siege lines there. After a debilitating expedition to Alvarado (March 30–April 6) the Palmettos marched through Jalapa to Puebla, where the army remained until departing for the Valley of Mexico on August 7. The Palmettos w