1. "Plentiful Country, The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York" by Professor Tyler Anbinderdetails the experiences of famine Irish immigrants who arrived in New York between 1845 and 1850, highlighting their journey from hardship to signi
- Author
- John Batchelor
- Published
- Tue 02 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8770887
1. "Plentiful Country, The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York" by Professor Tyler Anbinder details the experiences of famine Irish immigrants who arrived in New York between 1845 and 1850, highlighting their journey from hardship to significant socioeconomic advancement.
A primary source for this account is the extensive records of the Immigrant Savings Bank. Unlike other immigrant records, such as those from Castle Garden and early Ellis Island, which were lost to fire, these "test books" captured detailed biographical information—including names, occupations, mother's maiden names, family members, and arrival details—used as a security measure in the absence of photo IDs. This data enabled the author to trace individual immigrant stories.
The narrative begins with the devastating Great Potato Famine in Ireland, caused by a fungus that thrived in the cool, damp climate, destroying the staple crop on which much of the population depended. Fleeing starvation, many, often the strongest, endured perilous voyages. They frequently traveled through Liverpool, England, to access cheaper passage, only to face overcrowded and disease-ridden "coffin ships" across the Atlantic, where typhus and cholera were common. Arrival in New York was typically unceremonious, with immigrants disembarking directly onto docks before Castle Garden became a central reception point.
Upon arrival, many Irish immigrants, like Bartholomew O'Donnell, initially found work as day laborers, often in physically demanding construction jobs in impoverished areas such as Five Points and its infamous Old Brewery. They also faced significant prejudice rooted in their Catholicism and racial stereotypes, exemplified by "no Irish need apply" notices and movements like the Know Nothing Party.
Despite these challenges, the Irish displayed remarkable ambition, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. They were diligent savers, motivated by the psychological scars of the famine to establish emergency funds in banks. The book provides numerous examples of their success:
A primary source for this account is the extensive records of the Immigrant Savings Bank. Unlike other immigrant records, such as those from Castle Garden and early Ellis Island, which were lost to fire, these "test books" captured detailed biographical information—including names, occupations, mother's maiden names, family members, and arrival details—used as a security measure in the absence of photo IDs. This data enabled the author to trace individual immigrant stories.
The narrative begins with the devastating Great Potato Famine in Ireland, caused by a fungus that thrived in the cool, damp climate, destroying the staple crop on which much of the population depended. Fleeing starvation, many, often the strongest, endured perilous voyages. They frequently traveled through Liverpool, England, to access cheaper passage, only to face overcrowded and disease-ridden "coffin ships" across the Atlantic, where typhus and cholera were common. Arrival in New York was typically unceremonious, with immigrants disembarking directly onto docks before Castle Garden became a central reception point.
Upon arrival, many Irish immigrants, like Bartholomew O'Donnell, initially found work as day laborers, often in physically demanding construction jobs in impoverished areas such as Five Points and its infamous Old Brewery. They also faced significant prejudice rooted in their Catholicism and racial stereotypes, exemplified by "no Irish need apply" notices and movements like the Know Nothing Party.
Despite these challenges, the Irish displayed remarkable ambition, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. They were diligent savers, motivated by the psychological scars of the famine to establish emergency funds in banks. The book provides numerous examples of their success:
- Captain James Kavanagh of the 69th Regiment (Irish Brigade) fought heroically in the Civil War, later finding a civil service position.
- The Lynches saved for a decade before moving west to become successful farmers in Minnesota, founding Irish communities.
- The Ruddics, after missing the gold rush in California, became landlords and real estate investors in San Francisco.
Michael Quigley built a thriving boat business in New York Harbor, which his son Bill Quigley successfully continued.- Tailor George Fox rose to prominence through savvy marketing, even creating clothes for figures like President Millard Fillmore.
- Most notably, Michael Failen, a billiards champion, and his son-in-law Hugh Colander patented an improved pool table cushion, mass-produced their high-quality tables, and became wealthy, even supplying President Ulysses S. Grant with a custom table.
Anbinder's most significant discovery was the extent to which these famine Irish, often portrayed as permanently stuck in low-wage jobs, actively overcame discrimination and lack of education to climb the socioeconomic ladder through their immense resourcefulness and entrepreneurial drive.
1859 FIVE POINTS
1859 FIVE POINTS
