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The Irish in Haverhill Massachusetts: A Rich Heritage and Enduring Legacy

Langston Hughes

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Published in The Irish In Haverhill Massachusetts: Volume II (Images Of America)

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The Irish in Haverhill, Massachusetts: Volume II (Images of America)

by Dr. Patricia Trainor O'Malley

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34634 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

The history of the Irish in Haverhill Massachusetts is a story of immigration, hard work, and community. The first Irish immigrants arrived in the city in the mid-19th century, fleeing the Great Famine in Ireland. They settled in the Acre neighborhood, a working-class area near the Merrimack River. Over the years, the Irish community in Haverhill grew and prospered, establishing churches, schools, and businesses. Today, the Irish are an integral part of Haverhill's cultural landscape, and their legacy can be seen throughout the city.

The Great Famine

The Great Famine was a devastating period in Irish history that lasted from 1845 to 1852. The famine was caused by a potato blight, which destroyed the staple crop of Ireland. Over one million people died during the famine, and millions more emigrated to other countries, including the United States. The Irish who came to Haverhill were part of this wave of immigration.

The Acre Neighborhood

The Acre neighborhood was the center of the Irish community in Haverhill. The neighborhood was home to a number of Irish businesses, including pubs, grocery stores, and boarding houses. It was also the site of the city's first Catholic church, St. James Church. The Acre neighborhood was a close-knit community, and it provided a sense of belonging for the Irish immigrants who had left their homeland behind.

Irish Contributions to Haverhill

The Irish have made significant contributions to Haverhill over the years. They have been active in politics, business, and the arts. Irish Americans have served as mayors, city councilors, and state representatives. They have also founded some of Haverhill's most successful businesses, including Haverhill Bank and Pentucket Bank. In the arts, Irish Americans have played a major role in the city's music and theater scene.

The Irish Legacy in Haverhill Today

The legacy of the Irish in Haverhill is still visible today. The city is home to a number of Irish-themed businesses, including pubs, restaurants, and gift shops. The city also hosts a number of Irish cultural events throughout the year, including the Haverhill Irish Festival. The Irish community in Haverhill is a vibrant and active part of the city's cultural landscape, and it continues to make significant contributions to the city.

The story of the Irish in Haverhill Massachusetts is a story of immigration, hard work, and community. The Irish who came to Haverhill in the mid-19th century helped to build the city and make it the vibrant and diverse place it is today. Their legacy is still visible throughout the city, and it continues to inspire the Irish community in Haverhill to make a positive contribution to their city.