Immigrant Experience: The Irish
During the last three centuries about seven million people immigrated from Ireland to the United States. Most of these people came after the Great Potato Famine of 1845-50. These first young Irish immigrants, who were mostly male, helped dig America’s first canals, lay the track for the first railroads, pave the first streets and lay the first water lines. However, life was not easy for the Irish in America, and it took many years before they were able to successfully assimilate into American culture.
Follow the steps below to learn more about the Irish experience in America.