It is known that from 1815 to the start of the Civil War 5 million people came to this country. The majority who came in this period were from England and 40 percent came from Ireland. For the Irish, the Great Famine, coupled with continuing political oppression, were the motivating factors for leaving a beloved land. Irish immigration peaked in the 1850's. Land shortages and crop failures in Europe, coupled with civil unrest in numerous locations, lead many European groups to travel to other areas to find work to support themselves. Thus, millions of Europeans were transplanted to other areas and a very large number came to America. Advances in transportation allowed for greater westward expansion of America. Steam boats , invented in 1807, soon sailed inland rivers. Ships that brought immigrants were to soon to carry cheap grain, cotton, and other goods back to Europe.

Both highly skilled and unskilled laborers arrived at our shores. Those who could afford cheap land were more likely to venture west, and establish farms and ranches. The more destitute, however, were often caught up in poor, urban immigrant communities, seeking the support of others from their homeland and any employment available. By the 1860's a manufacturing area extended from Boston into New York and parts of New Jersey to Philadelphia. Factories provided employment for unskilled urban workers. As manufacturing expanded both men and women were needed to supply factory labor . At the same time, farmers were needed in the expanding western areas. Transportation and building construction relied heavily on immigrant laborers. Because of these rapid developments there was a great need for workers and settlers, and an open door policy on immigration prevailed.

Map showing expension of rails and the mail to the west

Many new Americans went west. One early route lead along the Santa Fe Trail to New Mexico, and by 1840 this passage extended on to California. Many Irish immigrants were among those who followed this old Indian trail to journey to the new territories. Routes west followed river valleys, which had less rugged terrain and accessible water. As many as one hundred wagons traveled in caravans lead by a hired guide. Railroads were soon to follow . Despite hardships such as disease and hostile Indians, cities were soon booming in both the American West as well as the East.

Among the problems that immigrants faced was language differences. The Irish had an advantage in speaking English and this helped them to adapt . However, the poverty of later arriving Irish caused many to view at them with disdain. The majority of earlier arriving people were protestant. The Irish who came after, at the time of the great famine, were Catholic. Some viewed them with suspicion. Hence, religious differences were a factor in finding acceptance in this new land. Neighborhood Churches and community groups gave support to newcomers. Before long the tight-knit urban ghettoes also became political strongholds. Immigrants gained political power, and with that a voice, and opportunities for jobs such as police, fireman, and teachers. In time, despite hardships, new Americans were to gain economic success and social acceptance.