Born in County Cavan, Ireland
Patrick was 1 year old when he immigrated
to the United States with his parents.
In 1842, his family moved to Rochester, NY where he lived until 1857
when he was appointed cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point.
He graduated first in his class in 1861 and was commissioned to the Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant.
“Here they are men, commence firing”
Military Career
O’Rorke took part in the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run where a bullet went straight through his coat and horse shot out from under him.
Later, he was reassigned to various engineering duties in Washington City. Fort Marcy, Fort Davis, Fort Stevens and Fort Washington
were all established to protect the
federal capital.
In March of 1862, he was given command of the “Rochester Raiders” of the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry.
He was only 26 years old at the time.
During the Battle of Little Round Top, O’Rorke led his men, after “orders” from General Gouvernor K. Warren up the
north slope to the crest of the rocky hill. O’Rorke grabbing his regiments colors
shouted “Here they are men, commence firing”.
These would be his last words as he
was mortally wounded in one of the first volleys.
Internment
O’Rorke was initially buried by members of the 140th in Gettysburg but was later returned to Rochester, NY by his widow.
A funeral for Colonel O’Rorke was held on July 15 bringing together hundreds of Protestants and Catholics
as well as a range of various ethnic groups.
He was laid to rest in the old Catholic cemetery on Pinnacle Hill but was ultimately interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
where he lies in rest to this day.
The O’Rorke Memorial Society
The O’Rorke Memorial Society was formed to honor the life of Colonel O’Rorke and to keep his unrelenting spirit alive.
UPDATE December, 2023 - Currently, the society is working on plans to establish an Irish Memorial Park in Monroe County.
We are in the initial design phase and more information will become available as the project progresses.
Contact Us
To view pictures from County Cavan Executive Ger Finn's visit to St. John Fisher College
on Sunday March 16, 2015 click HERE
To view pictures of the O'Rorke Bridge Re-dedication on October 4, 2015 click HERE
NEW : To view the Easter 1916 Commemoration on April 24, 2016 click HERE
If you would like additional information, please send a note along to MOH@ororkesociety.com