The Irish in Columbus : Marker #42-25
Posted by: 
Mr. 0
N 39° 57.971 W 083° 00.456
17S E 328541 N 4425933
Quick Description: One of two Historical Markers located just a few yards apart. In McFerson Commons Park in the Arena District, near Nationwide Arena
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 2/24/2008 6:20:58 PM
Waymark Code: WM387K
Views: 25
Long Description:Side A : "The Irish in Columbus"
Thousands of Irish immigrants came to Columbus to seek personal and
religious freedom. With the "Great Hunger" in Ireland and the
completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal and the National Road,
immigration to Columbus increased in the mid nineteenth century.
They initially settled in the north side of the city in the swamp
flats, where inexpensive land was available and work could be had
on the railroads. Settlement spread to Franklinton, on Naghten
Street, later known as "Irish Broadway"- part of which is now
Nationwide Boulevard, and to nearby Flytown. The immigrants became
domestic workers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and served the
city in police and fire departments. Others were leaders in
government, law, medicine, and education. Their legacy continues
today in the Irish-American population of Columbus, Ohio.
Side B : ""
These are only a representative few of the Irish individuals and
groups who were prominent in the formation of Columbus.
IRISH IN COLUMBUS BEFORE OHIO STATEHOOD Lucas Sullivant, Founder of
Franklinton in 1797 John Brickell, Early settler IRISH IN COLUMBUS
DURING EARLY STATEHOOD Thomas Kirker, Ohio's 2nd governor, acting
1807-08 term John Kerr, 2nd Mayor of Columbus Alfred Kelley, Father
of Ohio Canals, Ohio and Erie Canal Developer, and Legislator IRISH
IN COLUMBUS AFTER THE GREAT HUNGER (1845) Sisters of the Poor of
St. Francis, St. Francis Hospital Dominican Sisters, St. Mary of
the Springs, St. Mary of the Springs Academy William "Billy"
Naghten, Columbus City Council President Patrick Egan, Franklin
County Coroner for ten terms Jeremiah O'Shaughnessy,
Superintendent, Division of Water, Columbus, Ohio
