The Irish in New Orleans

Aug 5

By Bear Gruzen

Today around the world, over 70 million people claim Irish ancestry– yet Ireland only has a population of around 6 million. Much like other cultures previously discussed, Irish immigrants have had a substantial impact on New Orleans history and culture. Irish immigration began in the late 18th century, with the large bulk of it happening in the 1800s– similar to that of other European immigrants such as the Germans. In 1798, the Irish had a failed uprising against British oppression, which prompted many more to start emigrating abroad. With New Orleans being a major port city, it allowed for the Irish to easily immigrate– and with the Irish Potato famine beginning in the 1840s, more and more were heading for the Crescent City. The first Saint Patrick’s Day was held in New Orleans in 1809, and represented what was to come for Irish immigration. Many of these immigrants were laborers who snuck themselves on ships with passage to New Orleans, so needless to say, the conditions were brutal– however it was worth it to seek opportunity in the New World.

Like many immigrants, such as the Germans or Vietnamese, upon arrival in New Orleans, the Irish took any job they could– mostly factory and industrial work. Many settled along what is today the Irish Channel, which housed European immigrants from Germany and Italy, but mostly consisted of the Irish. The Irish brought their Catholic faith with them– the same faith they had been persecuted for by the British. More and more Catholic churches began being established, in an already Catholic city. Saint Alphonsus Church, established in 1855, for instance, represented the growth and presence of the Irish Catholic community in New Orleans.

Today Irish culture, much like Haitian culture, has been so engraved in daily New Orleans life that you do not actively notice it. Walking around downtown or uptown, you will often spot an Irish bar. From an architectural side, Irish people have also had a significant impact on the city. James Gallier Sr for example, was an Irish immigrant who lived in New Orleans in the 1800s, and is one of the most influential architects in New Orleans history. He designed such classics as Gallier Hall, which served as city hall for a large portion of time; he also built the St. Charles Hotel, which was an incredibly successful and lavish hotel until it burned down in 1852. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are important here in New Orleans, with celebrations everywhere and parades and block parties all over the city. Much like other cultures’ celebrations such as the Tet Festival or Oktoberfest, New Orleanians take pride in the heritage and culture that helped build it to what it is today.

The story of Irish immigration to New Orleans shares many similarities to other immigrant– the Haitians, Germans, Vietnamese, and many others all came to this city to seek a better life, and in doing so, they spread their heritage, culture, food, and identity to this city– and made it all the more unique.