Scotch-Irish Americans

Scotch vs. Scottish

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Irish ancestry by state

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Irish Protestants by state

Portrait of Scotch-Irish-American boy 1909

Americans of Scotch-Irish descent

Scotch-Irish Americans (or Scots-Irish Americans) are American descendants of Ulster Scots who migrated from Ulster in Northern Ireland to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. The term "Scotch-Irish" is used primarily in the United States, with "Scots-Irish" being more common in the United Kingdom.

History

The Scotch-Irish trace their origins to the Plantation of Ulster, a 17th-century colonization project initiated by the Kingdom of England to settle the province of Ulster with English and Scottish Protestants. Many of these settlers were Lowland Scots who had been encouraged to move to Ulster by promises of land and economic opportunity.

During the 18th century, a significant number of Ulster Scots emigrated to the American colonies, driven by economic hardship, religious discrimination, and political instability. They primarily settled in the Appalachian Mountains, where they became known for their independent spirit and distinctive cultural practices.

Cultural Influence

Scotch-Irish Americans have had a profound impact on American culture, particularly in the areas of music, religion, and politics. They are credited with contributing to the development of country music and bluegrass music, both of which have roots in the traditional folk music of the British Isles.

In terms of religion, the Scotch-Irish brought with them a strong tradition of Presbyterianism, which played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of the American frontier. Many Scotch-Irish Americans were also involved in the Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century.

Notable Scotch-Irish Americans

Several prominent Americans have claimed Scotch-Irish heritage, including:

• Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States
• Davy Crockett, frontiersman and folk hero
• Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States
• Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States

Demographics

Today, it is estimated that there are between 27 and 30 million Americans of Scotch-Irish descent. They are predominantly found in the Appalachian Mountains, the Midwest, and the Southern United States.

Related Pages

• Ulster Scots
• Irish Americans
• Scottish Americans
• Appalachian culture
• Presbyterianism in the United States

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