Italian Americans

Italian Americans are people in the United States who have full or partial Italian ancestry. Many of them live in big cities in the Northeast and Midwest parts of the country, but you can find Italian American communities almost everywhere in the U.S.

From around 1820 to 2004, about 5.5 million Italians moved to America. Most of these people came from Southern Italy, especially during the early 1900s before World War I. Many were young men who planned to send money home and then return to Italy, but many stayed and built new lives.

Italian Americans have helped shape many parts of American life. They have made important contributions to art, books, food, government, sports, and music, making the country richer and more interesting.

History

Before 1880

Main article: Italians in the United States before 1880

Italian explorers helped find and settle the Americas. Christopher Columbus made four trips across the ocean for Spain, starting new European exploration. Others like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Amerigo Vespucci explored North America’s coast. The first known Italian in what is now the United States was Pietro Cesare Alberti, who settled in New Amsterdam in 1635. Small groups of immigrants arrived in the 1700s, spreading to areas like New York and New Jersey.

More Italians came after the United States became independent, bringing skills in farming, music, and arts. Important figures included Filippo Mazzei, a friend of Thomas Jefferson, who helped shape ideas in the Declaration of Independence. Italians also served in the American Revolutionary War, with Francesco Vigo helping fund the colonial forces.

Civil War

Between 5,000 and 10,000 Italian Americans fought in the American Civil War, mostly for the Union Army. Some served in the Confederate Army, including generals like William B. Taliaferro. The Garibaldi Guard was a group of Italian volunteers in the Union Army, named after the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Period of Italian mass immigration (1880–1914)

Main article: Italian diaspora

From 1880 to 1914, millions of Italians left Italy due to poor conditions. About four million came to the United States, mostly from southern Italy and Sicily. Many planned to work for a few years and return home, but many stayed. They often worked in low-paying jobs and lived in crowded neighborhoods called “Little Italys” in cities like New York and Chicago. Despite challenges, these communities grew strong, with festivals and traditions keeping their heritage alive.

Italian immigrants also moved to places like Florida and California for jobs in farming, fishing, and building railroads. Some towns, like Roseto, Pennsylvania, were started by Italian families. Over time, many Italian Americans opened small businesses and contributed to their new communities.

Integration into American society

Italian immigrants and their families built successful businesses, including banks, food companies, and entertainment. They helped create important cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Italian Americans also joined politics, sports, and labor movements, fighting for workers’ rights and representing their communities.

World War I and interwar period

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, many Italian Americans joined the military. They served with honor, and some received top awards for bravery. After the war, new job opportunities opened for Italian Americans in jobs like police, firefighting, and skilled trades. The Great Depression brought hard times, but many found work through government programs.

In politics, Italian Americans began to rise to leadership roles. Al Smith became the first Italian American governor of New York and almost won the presidency. Other Italian Americans became mayors, senators, and leaders in various fields. The Metropolitan Opera continued to grow, with famous singers like Enrico Caruso performing there.

World War II

Main article: Internment of Italian Americans

When Italy entered World War II on the side of Germany in 1940, many Italian Americans felt pressure and suspicion. Some were forced to leave their homes, and others were required to carry special identification. Thousands were placed in camps, even though there was no proof they were doing anything wrong. Many Italian Americans served bravely in the war, and some received the Medal of Honor for their courage.

Post–World War II period

After World War II, more Italians came to the United States, many with new skills and education. With better opportunities, Italian Americans moved into mainstream American life. Many went to college, got good jobs, and started families outside of their old neighborhoods. They continued to succeed in politics, business, and the arts, contributing greatly to American society. Italian Americans have served as senators, mayors, and leaders in many fields, showing their importance in the country.

Culture and societal influences

The famous explorer Christopher Columbus is remembered in the United States on Columbus Day. Many cities, monuments, and institutions carry his name, including the poetic term "Columbia," used for the United States. Columbus is an important figure in American history, but his connection to Italian American identity is different from groups like Irish Americans or American Jews.

Politics

Al Smith, the governor of New York in the 1920s, was one of the first Italian Americans to become well-known in politics. In the 1930s, many Italian Americans supported the Democratic Party. Over time, Italian American voters have split their support between the Democratic and Republican parties. Notable Italian American political figures include Nancy Pelosi, the first woman and Italian American Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Rudy Giuliani, a former mayor of New York City and presidential candidate. Italian Americans have also served in high-ranking positions in both parties and on the Supreme Court.

Italian Americans in New York City have helped elect mayors like Fiorello La Guardia and Bill de Blasio. Italian Americans often vote for individual candidates rather than based on shared heritage, which sets them apart from some other groups.

Economic and Social Conditions

Italian Americans have made big contributions to the U.S. economy, founding companies like Bank of America, Qualcomm, Subway, Home Depot, and Airbnb. Many have held top jobs in large companies, including roles as leaders and managers.

Early Italian immigrants often worked in hard jobs because they had limited education and skills. Over time, Italian Americans moved into professional and managerial roles. By the 1990s, their incomes had risen above the national average, and they were well represented in many fields, including science, engineering, and medicine.

Science

Italian Americans have made important discoveries in science and technology. Notable figures include physicist Enrico Fermi, who created the first nuclear reactor, and astrophysicist Riccardo Giacconi, who won a Nobel Prize for his work on cosmic X-ray sources. Other achievements include developments in microchips, medicine, and space exploration by Italian American scientists and astronauts.

Women

Italian American women have made progress in many fields. After World War II, they gained more chances for education and careers. Today, Italian American women hold leadership roles in politics, business, the arts, and more. Organizations like the National Organization of Italian American Women work to support and celebrate their contributions.

Religion

Most Italian Americans have a Catholic background, though this has changed over time. Italian Americans have built many Catholic churches, schools, and institutions. Some have joined Protestant denominations, including Episcopal and Baptist churches. There is also a small community of Italian American Jews who have made notable contributions to American life.

Feasts

Traditional Italian festivals, or feste, have been celebrated by Italian American communities for generations. These events honor patron saints and include parades, processions, and community gatherings. Popular feasts include Saint Joseph's Day in New Orleans, Saint Anthony's Feast in Boston, and San Gennaro in New York City. These celebrations help keep Italian cultural traditions alive.

Education

Early Italian immigrants often had limited access to education, but over time, their descendants have achieved high levels of education. Today, Italian Americans are well represented in many professions and have a higher rate of advanced degrees compared to the national average. There are also Italian international schools in the United States, such as La Scuola International in San Francisco and La Scuola d'Italia Guglielmo Marconi in New York City.

Media

Many Italian Americans have successful careers in television and media. Talk-show hosts, journalists, and personalities of Italian descent include Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, and Kelly Ripa. Italian American newspapers have also played an important role in the community, providing news and fostering cultural pride.

Organizations

Italian American organizations work to support the community and preserve cultural heritage. Groups like the National Italian American Foundation, Order Sons of Italy in America, and the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee celebrate Italian American history and achievements. These organizations also provide assistance to immigrants and promote strong U.S.-Italy relations.

Culture

Italian Americans have shaped American culture in many ways. They have influenced food, drinks, music, fashion, movies, books, buildings, and sports like bocce and beach tennis.

Cinema

After World War II, many Italian Americans became famous in movies, both as actors and directors. Some of these directors have won important awards for their work.

Literature

Many Italian American authors and poets have shared their stories and poems. Their writings often reflect the experiences of Italian immigrants in America. Some well-known authors include Pietro Di Donato, Frances Winwar, John Ciardi, and John Fante. Later authors like Don DeLillo, Paul Gallico, and Mario Puzo also gained recognition.

Language

Italian is the fourth most commonly taught foreign language in U.S. colleges. Once widely spoken in many American cities, Italian has seen changes over time. Today, Italian and Sicilian are still studied and spoken by many Italian Americans, especially older generations. Italian language courses have grown in popularity in recent years.

Cuisine

Italian Americans have greatly influenced American eating habits. Popular cooking shows featuring Italian cuisine have been hosted by Italian American personalities. Italian-American cuisine, while inspired by traditional Italian dishes, has developed its own unique style, such as spaghetti and meatballs.

Music

Many Italian Americans have become famous singers and musicians. From Frank Sinatra to Madonna, Italian Americans have made significant contributions to popular music, Broadway, and classical music. They have also been conductors, opera singers, and instrumentalists in jazz and pop music.

Sports

Italian Americans have been successful in many sports. They have been coaches, players, and leaders in baseball, football, basketball, boxing, golf, figure skating, billiards, racing, gymnastics, swimming, and more. Their achievements have inspired many and added to the rich tapestry of American sports.

Folklore

Italian American feasts and festivals are vibrant celebrations that bring communities together. These events often include music, food, games, and religious processions. The Feast of San Gennaro in New York City and the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua in Boston are just a few examples of these lively traditions.

Museums

Several museums across the United States celebrate Italian American culture and history. These include the Museo ItaloAmericano in San Francisco, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, and the Italian American Museum in New York City, among others.

Discrimination and stereotyping

Main articles: Anti-Italianism and Lynching of Italian Americans

When many Italians came to live in the United States, they sometimes faced unfair treatment. Some people did not treat them well, especially those from Southern Italy and Sicily. This was because of old ideas about who was considered "white."

The media sometimes spread wrong ideas about Italians. For example, in 1891, eleven Italian men in New Orleans were treated unfairly. In 1920, two Italian men named Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of a crime and had a very unfair trial.

Even though most Italian immigrants worked hard and followed the law, some were involved in illegal activities. Famous stories and TV shows sometimes showed Italian Americans in a bad light, which created wrong ideas about them.

Most Italian Americans were good, hardworking people. The media often did not show the true history and culture of Italian Americans.

Communities

Main article: List of Italian-American neighborhoods

Little Italies were formed partly because of past unfair treatment by earlier settlers. Areas with many Italian Americans appeared in most big industrial cities in the early 1900s. New Orleans, Louisiana was one of the first places Italians settled in America in the 1800s. Most Italian Americans today live in New York and New Jersey, while smaller cities in the Northeast like Pittsburgh, Providence, and Hartford have the highest percentage of Italian Americans.

New York City has the largest Italian-American population, with many neighborhoods still showing Italian influence. Places like Little Italy in Manhattan and Arthur Avenue in The Bronx are well-known for their Italian culture. Other cities with notable Italian communities include Philadelphia, Boston, Newark, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City, New Orleans, Syracuse, Providence, Tampa-Ybor City, Birmingham, San Diego, West Virginia, Arkansas, Baltimore, Mississippi, Denver, and Las Vegas. Each of these places has its own story of how Italian immigrants helped build and shape the community.

The neighborhood around Chicago's Taylor Street has been a key area for Italian American immigrants. Hull House, an important early settlement house, was founded there by Jane Addams and Ellen Starr in 1889. Italian Americans were a big part of the Hull House neighborhood from the 1890s to the 1930s.

Detroit's first Italian resident was Alphonse Tonty, born in 1703. Italian immigration to Detroit grew slowly but increased with the rise of the automobile industry. By 1925, there were 42,000 Italians in Detroit. The Italian community was centered along Gratiot Avenue. Today, Italian Detroiters no longer have a central neighborhood, but their influence remains.

Cleveland's Little Italy, also known as Murray Hill, is a key part of Italian culture in Northeast Ohio, with many Italian Americans living there. The Feast of the Assumption is a big annual festival drawing over 100,000 people.

Kansas City attracted Italian immigrants for jobs in railroads and meat packing. Italians from Calabria and Sicily settled close together, with Sicilians in the River Market area and Calabrese in the Old Northeast.

In New Orleans, many Sicilians came after the Civil War for better jobs.

Italian immigrants first came to Syracuse, New York, in 1883 to work on the West Shore Railroad. They settled on the Northside, creating a strong Italian community.

Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, is known for its Italian American community and many restaurants. The annual Columbus Day parade is a big event.

Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, was founded in 1885 and had a mix of Spanish, Cuban, Jewish, and Italian immigrants. Italians faced challenges at first but eventually made up about 20% of the cigar industry workers. Italian-owned grocery stores became a tradition.

Birmingham, Alabama, saw Italians come to work in iron and coal industries. The Ensley Community House helped newcomers adjust to life in America from 1912 to 1969.

Historically, Little Italy in San Diego was home to Italian fishermen. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many moved there for tuna fishing. Construction of Interstate 5 in the 1970s damaged the neighborhood, but it has since revived.

Many Italians came to West Virginia in the late 1800s and early 1900s to work in coal mines. They hold records for coal production and still celebrate their heritage with festivals.

Italians began settling in Baltimore in the late 1800s, creating neighborhoods like Little Italy. They built churches and monuments, including one to Christopher Columbus.

Italians have lived in Mississippi since colonial times, with numbers growing in the 19th century.

Large numbers of Italians came to Colorado in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially to Northwest Denver. Though many moved away after World War II, reminders of the old community remain.

Las Vegas has a significant Italian American community.

Demographics

Italian Americans are people in the United States who have Italian ancestors. In the year 2000, about 15.6 million people said they had Italian ancestry. By 2020, this number was about 16.5 million. Some places in the United States have many Italian American residents. For example, Fairfield, New Jersey, has a large number of Italian American residents. Italian Americans often have higher education levels and income compared to the general population.

Notable people

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Italian Americans.

Many Italian Americans have become well-known in different fields. They include scientists, artists, athletes, and leaders. Their successes have made a big impact on American life and culture.