The remarkable impact of Irish-American culture on the USA

The American Civil War (1861– 1865) - Irish American soldiers of the 69th New York State Militia attend Sunday morning mass in camp during the first year of the Civil War. Irish Americans volunteered in high numbers for the Union Army, and at least 38 Union regiments had the word "Irish" in their title. Many immigrant soldiers formed their own regiments, such as the Irish Brigade.

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Irish female immigrants - The mid-19th century saw large groups of single Irish women between the ages of 16 and 24 arriving in America seeking a new life. Most were considered to be "unskilled" workers.

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Anti-Irish sentiment in the 19th century - US commentators often stereotyped the Irish in America as troublemakers, claiming they were violent (both among themselves and with those of other ethnic groups), and prone to alcoholism and voting illegally.

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Catholic and Protestant - An illustration showing Irish immigrants disembarking in New York, 1855. Between 1607 and 1820, the majority of emigrants from Ireland to America were Protestant. Later, large numbers of Irish Catholics also began to emigrate to the United States.

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"No Irish Need Apply" - Irish men and women both had a hard time finding skilled work in the US due to the stigmas of being both Irish as well as Catholic.

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Climbing the social ladder - Members of the Monaghan Men's Irish Dancing Class and their partners perform the Irish quadrille. By 1900 many Irish Americans had jobs and earnings equal to their neighbors, which meant enjoying refined entertainments.

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The Molly Maguires - Pennsylvania saw an enormous influx of Irish during the early 20th century, attracted by the hope of work in the state’s abundant anthracite coalmines. It was here that the notorious Molly Maguires emerged. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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America's first Irish Catholic president - John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, could trace his Irish ancestry back to Limerick and County Wexford.

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US Medal of Honor - The first Irish American to receive the Medal of Honor was Michael Madden (1841–1920), a private in the Union Army who received it for his actions in the American Civil War. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Dublin, America - There are nine towns in the USA called Dublin. Well-known examples include Dublin, OH and Dublin, GA. Dublin, TX is home to the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant in the world. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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St. Patrick's Day, Chicago - As part of a more than fifty-year-old Chicago tradition, the Chicago River is dyed green on St. Patrick's Day. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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St. Patrick's Day, Boston - The cultural bond between Irish and Americans is expressed in an indigenous manner during Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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St. Patrick's Day Parade, New York City - The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of New York City’s greatest traditions.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade, New York City - The first NYC parade took place on March 17, 1762 — fourteen years before the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence!

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Vintage Irish Americana - A beautiful example of an embossed St. Patrick's Day greeting card, dating back to Boston around 1910. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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The Boston Celtics - Founded in 1946, both the NBA team's name and their mascot, "Lucky the Leprechaun," are a nod to Boston's historically large Irish population.

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Irish-American influence in the entertainment industry - Entertainer Bing Crosby's mother, Catherine Helen "Kate" (née Harrigan; 1873–1964), was second generation Irish American.

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Katy Perry - In the modern era, a number of celebrities are still able to trace their ancestry back to Ireland. For example, Katy Perry's great-great-grandmother was from Eyrecourt, County Galway.

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John L. Sullivan (1858–1918) - Also known as the "Boston Strong Boy," Sullivan was an Irish-American boxer, recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing. Pictured is an early example of a Irish- American Boxing Belt. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Annie Moore (1877–1923) - The first passenger processed through Ellis Island, 17-year-old Irish immigrant Annie Moore, originally hailed from County Cork. She arrived in America with her two brothers, Anthony and Philip. A statue of Annie her siblings stands in Cobh, Ireland.

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Hell's Kitchen - During the early 20th century, this Manhattan neighborhood was home to poor and working class Irish Americans. Now gentrified, the area is still known for its Gaelic spirit. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dedicated in 1910, this impressive cathedral is a prominent landmark and one of the most visible symbols of Roman Catholicism in New York City and the United States.

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The most Irish-American states - The most Irish American states are Massachusetts (pictured: Boston's Irish Famine Memorial), New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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McSorley's Old Ale House - Opened in the mid-19th century, McSorley's Old Ale House is the oldest Irish tavern in New York City. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Irish vocabulary - Words, songs, and expressions from Ireland have come into everyday American usage. Common words used in the English language that have Irish origin include galore, hooligan, phony, slob, and whiskey. (Photo: CC by 2.0)

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Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) - Andrew Jackson was the seventh US President and the first to claim Irish ancestry. He held office from 1829 to 1837.

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Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) - Nine signatories of the Declaration of Independence, ratified at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, were Irish.

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Constitution of the United States (1787) - The Constitution of the United States was created on September 17, 1787 by a convention of 36 delegates. Of these, at least six were Irish American.

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