Over the past two centuries Irish immigrants played a vital role in building America's infrastructure.
Did you know????....
- Over 50% of the workers on the Erie Canal were of Irish descent.
- Construction of the Empire State Building began on St. Patrick's Day, 1930.
- The world's first skyscraper was The Home Insurance Building in Chicago and was built by Irish immigrants.
Today I have a wonderful infographic from the good folks at Claddagh Rings sharing some wonderful facts about the legacy of Irish American workers over the past two hundred years.
Check out all the facts in the graphic below....
A big thank you to the good folk at Claddagh Rings for sharing this information.
This Irish American construction legacy is definitely a source of Irish pride.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this guest post, here are some other installments you might enjoy ....
Why Are Irish Americans So Captivated By Ireland
Top Ten Reasons Why Toursists Love Ireland
Sheila
Great information- thanks for sharing this graphic. I enjoyed learning about this legacy especially how the Irish contributed to building structures such as the Croton Dam.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - I learned new facts about Castle Clinton from this graphic. I too found it very informative.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
irishnannie
Such an impressive presentation of some things we might have known and some that we didn't!
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, my Dad immigrated from Ireland (Cobh, Co. Cork) and became one of New York City's finest...an Irish Catholic policeman!
With St. Patrick's Cathedral and the annual parade, I never for one minute did not appreciate that the world was a better place because of the Irish...and so very proud to know I was one! Singin' Irish songs, and dancin' Irish jigs... Irish traditions in place... lots of tea drinkin' and bread puddin' and Irish soda bread...soundly boiled meat, potatoes, and vegetables...life was good. As I grew older, I studied and learned more and more of Ireland's history and culture and always appreciate any opportunity to learn a little more. So thank you and God bless you to the folks at Claddagh rings and, of course, as always, you Mairead*!
I remember going to a Mass in a
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishnannie - We sure do have much to be proud of. The contributions of the Irish to building America are truly commendable.
Thanks so much for checking out this infographic.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
irishnannie
forgot to finish that last thought! I remember going to a Mass in Schenectady, New York and being awed by the unusual beauty of the Church. You guessed it...it was built by Irish folk and reflected a beauty and reverence that was startling and not-surprising, at the same time. Thought of this because of the amazing feats of building represented in this wonderful presentation by Claddagh Rings!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishnannie - I was surprised to learn that the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Kentucky was built by many Irish workers. The interior plaster and decorative work was done by Irish craftsmen. It's nice to learn that this skill and artistry is also evident in Schenectady.
Thanks so much for adding to our discussion.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Mairéad, so interesting to find out that the Empire State Building was built by an Irish American and that work started on St. Patrick's Day. Had never heard that before!
Hope your summer is going well!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - I hope you're having a lovely summer too. I've been a little busy, so blogging was put on the back burner for a while, but I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things again very soon.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Nell
Really enjoyed this information. Lots of facts I did not know.
Irish American Mom
Hi Nell - Thanks for stopping by to check out this information about the Irish in America.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Dylan
do you have any gaylic blogs? if ye can you but a url if you reply
Irish American Mom
Hi Dylan - I don’t have a dedicated blog in the Irish language but i do discuss the language and Scottish Gaelic from time to time. Simply search for the term Gaelic on my site and you’ll find some blog posts.
All the best,
Mairéad