Learn the Story of the Italian Immigrant
19th Century - Present
Arrival
After the unification of Italy began in 1861, thousands of Italians embarked on ships bound for the Americas in hopes of escaping deteriorating living conditions. Many decided to follow the "Citrus Connection," a trading route established by successful artisans in the 1830s from Sicily to New Orleans. The journey from Palermo to New Orleans was just 29 days, thanks to the recent fleet modernizations. Between 1850 and 1870, there were more Italians in New Orleans than in any other city in the US.
American Italian Sports Players
From boxing rings to football fields, Italian Americans have made significant contributions to American sports. Athletes like MLB first baseman John "Zeke" Bonura and NFL offensive guard Tony Sardisco, who served as the first captain for the inaugural Patriots team, are just some of the renowned athletes with Louisiana roots.
Hardship
Like many immigrants, Italians were targets of discrimination from not only locals but other immigrants as well. Deteriorating economic conditions in the late 19th fomented the belief that immigrants were to blame for taking American jobs. Tensions reached a climax in 1891 when 19 Italian men were wrongly indicted for the murder of Police Chief David C. Hennessy. Angry with the jury's failure to convict, a mob broke into the jail and committed the largest single mass lynching in American history.
Success
Despite many hardships, Italian Americans found success through perseverance and solidarity. Companies such as Standard Fruit Company (now Dole Plc), Commander’s Palace, Angelo Brocato’s, and Progresso are just a few of the many enterprises built by Italian Americans.
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