Alexander Campbell, born in County Donegal, Ireland, settled in Pennsylvania’s Coal Region after the American Civil War. Accused of involvement with the Molly Maguires, he was executed in 1877, leaving behind a haunting legacy. Follow his journey from Donegal’s rugged coastline to the gallows at Jim Thorpe. Read the full story.
Discover the fascinating stories of Irish immigrants in Pennsylvania’s Coal Region - tales of resilience, labor struggles, and cultural traditions that shaped a community. From St. Patrick’s Day parades to the Molly Maguire trials, explore the rich history behind the green. Don’t miss these captivating stories. Find all the stories.
In February 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Dublin, Ireland and made a stop at a memorial to those lost in the Potato Famine of the 1840s. The events in Ireland during the 1840s had reverberations in Pennsylvania's Coal Region as thousands of Irish immigrants fled their homeland and sought a new life in the anthracite coal fields. Read the full story.
In 1842, a group of Irish immigrants in Schuylkill County came together to oppose their countrymen's call for racial equality and an end to slavery in the US.
Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and comedian Jim Gaffigan explored Gaffigan's family connection to the Coal Region on "Finding Your Roots"