Irish Cleveland

In the early 19th century, the Irish arrived in Cleveland in search of opportunity. Construction on the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1825 attracted many Irish seeking employment. After the canals were completed, many who survived grueling labor conditions left northeastern Ohio, but others became dockworkers and shipbuilders. The Irish who made Cleveland home impacted the city significantly. The Roman Catholic Church became a mainstay for Irish immigrants, and parochial schools offered Irish yout...