The 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment (117th Volunteers) was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Originally organized as the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers, the "Irish Dragoons" were to be a squadron of cavalry commanded by Captain James A. Galligher, and attached to the New York-based "Irish Brigade."
When President Lincoln issued manpower quotas to the several states, Pennsylvania requested their men be returned in order to help fill the quotas.
Originally recruited and organized at Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania beginning in December 1861, they were mustered in for three years service under the command of newly promoted Colonel James A. Galligher.
The regiment was attached to Defenses of Baltimore, VIII Corps, Middle Department, to September 1862.
Defenses Upper Potomac, VIII Corps, to February 1863.
Elliott's Brigade, Milroy's Command, Winchester, Virginia, VIII Corps, February 1863.
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, VIII Corps, to July 1863.
3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to August 1863.
2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to February 1865.
(Served attached to IX Corps, Army of the Potomac, May 3–26, 1864.)
Terry's Provisional Corps, Department of North Carolina, to March 1865.
The 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry mustered out in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 14, 1865, and traveled by rail to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they were discharged on July 27, 1865.
Moved to Point of Rocks, Maryland, September 24, and guard duty on line of the Potomac River between Berlin and Edward's Ferry, and scouting in Loudoun and Jefferson Counties, Va., until February 1863.
Ordered to join Milroy at Winchester, Va., February 3.
Moved to Frederick, Md., then to Boonsboro July 8, and joined Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.
Warrenton or White Sulphur Springs October 12–13.
White House and St. Peter's Church June 21.
Charles City Cross Roads June 30.
Demonstration north of James River at Deep Bottom July 27–29.
Demonstration north Of James River at Deep Bottom August 13–20.
Surrender of Johnston and his army at Bennett's House April 26.
Duty at Fayetteville and in Department of North Carolina until July.