History of the Irish in Indianapolis
Those of Irish ancestry have had a strong impact on the city of
Antebellum
Most of the Irish immigrants to Indianapolis settled originally on east coast cities, but gradually moved westward to find better employment opportunities. With
The 1840s saw the Irish begin to form small communities within the city, especially in the same poorer areas that free blacks resided. They created what would become
War years
At the start of the War, the Irish in Indianapolis mostly resided at Irish Hill, which gained a reputation as the toughest part of town, and Fountain Square. These areas tended to be next to railroad and streetcar lines, which relied on Irish workers. Other major employers of the Irish were construction and pork-packing.[3]
At the start of the War, the Indianapolis Irish formed the 35th Regiment, also called the 1st Irish Regiment, recruited at the parish school of St. John's. They would later be combined with the 61st Regiment/2nd Irish Regiment. Some of the Irish, particularly those that belonged to the
Post-war
By 1870, Indianapolis was the home of over 3,300 foreign-born Irish, with the total being 3,760 for all of
1900s
In 1910 the Irish population in Indianapolis was 12,225, of which 3,255 were born in Ireland, composing 5% of the total population of Indianapolis, and 15% of its immigrant population. During World War I the Irish would side with the city's German population in denouncing the Allies, due to their hatred of Great Britain.[5]
Today
An annual event called the Indy Irish Fest occurs every September. On St. Patrick's Day, not only is there a parade, but the Indiana Central Canal is dyed green to celebrate the holiday.[6]
There are also the Irish Dancers of Indianapolis, that celebrate the dancing of Ireland.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Bodenhamer, David. The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis (Indiana University Press, 1994) pg.827
- ^ a b Bodenhamer 827
- ^ Bodenhamer 827, 828
- ^ a b Bodenhamer 828
- ^ Bodenhamer 829
- ^ Indy Irish Fest: Events: Other Events
- ^ Indy Irish Dancers