The Irish have always been a part of Boston’s history, but in small numbers. During the Great Famine or “An Gorta Mor,” an incredible number of Irish fled their native land for a new beginning in America. Between 1845 and 1850, more than one million Irish died from starvation. Another two million left for a chance at survival in other countries, including America. In 1847 also known as “Black 47”, 13,235 Irishmen immigrated to Boston. The year 1847 was the worst year of the Great Famine, where a deadly fungus destroyed the much needed potato crop.

 

Irishmen were dying of starvation in the street. Because the cost of travel was so inexpensive, many left their homeland. Even though the cost was cheap, some still could not afford the passage. People attempted to hide in ships to avoid paying the fee. Unfortunately, some of these people were found only after they suffocated to death. The voyage itself was near to unbearable. Hundreds of people crowded together in the hull of the ship. During time of harsh weather, the people huddled in the dark while water crashed over the top of them. These people feared the weather would sink the ship, and being stuck below deck in the dark they had no idea if the water was a wave or the ship going under.

 

Once the ships made it to America, they had to find a port that would allow them to dock and unload the hundreds of Irishmen. Many of the city leaders would not allow the ships to dock unless the captain guaranteed the people would not become a burden to the city. Many of the captains were unable to make this promise and had to turn away. Boston accepted a large number of the Irish immigrants. Once landing in Boston, the majority of the Irish found themselves living in impoverished conditions in the North End. Many of them were unable to find work and when they did, they held menial low paying jobs. After time their situation improved and the Irish became an integral part of the community, becoming mayors and even presidents.

 

By: Jessica McKenzie

Credits and Sources:

Campbell, Malcolm.Ireland’s New Worlds: Immigrants, Politics, and Society in the United States and Australia, 1815-1922.Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press, 2008.

 

Butterworth, Susan. “Boston.” Immigration to the United States. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/387-boston.html

 

Gribben, Arthur. The Great Famine and the Irish Diaspora in America.Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1999.

 

Nichols, Guild. ”North End History.” North End Boston. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://www.northendboston.com/north-end-history-volume-3/

 

O’Connor, Thomas H. Boston: A to Z. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.