The Other Irish--Scots-Irish Influence on America

 

In honor of Saint Patrick's Day, I wanted to share a bit about the Scots- Irish, often referred to as the Ulster Irish, who had a large influence in settling America.

   

The term Ulster-Irish refers to Lowland Scots and Northern English who were given land grants during the many wars and uprisings in Ireland in the 1600 and 1700s. England was determined to break the backs of the Irish Catholics by creating settlements of Protestants in Northern Ireland.

Even though the Ulster-Irish were loyal to England, they were treated poorly during the political upheavals to rid Ireland of its language and religion. And like many of the Irish Catholics, they emigrated to the colonies hoping to escape tyranny and religious persecution. This migration began in 1717, with many more shiploads of Scots-Irish to follow. 

   They populated the wilderness areas of Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Tennessee and Kentucky wilderness. The colonial government encouraged them to settle there to create a border between the civilized colonies and the natives. Even though religious freedom was the promise of the colonies, the English settlers disdained the Irish and their counterparts, the Scots-Irish. Moving was better than more persecution. Some colonies passed laws banning them from living there.

         Because these immigrants had lived on rocky, rugged terrain in both Ireland and Scotland, they easily adjusted to life in the Appalachian area. Many became trappers and traders and learned the hunting and fighting ways of their native neighbors.

Like the native tribes they lived among, the Scots lived in clans. Each clan has its own chieftain. The Indian clans had a similar hierarchy. Although there were conflicts, the Scots and Natives developed a mutual respect, even intermarrying.

John Ross- Cherokee Chief 

 Because the tribes had a matriarchal society the children's heritage passed through the mother. So the tribes accepted any interracial child. Because European-Americans recognized heritage through the father, there were several mixed-race men who served in political positions and chiefs of their tribe that helped bridge the gaps between the two worlds.

During the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812 the Scot-Irish were recognized as fierce warriors. Adapting Indian war tactics, expert shots with the Long Rifle, and the use of the tomahawk, they made a difference in the American victories.

     

  Migrating into Alabama and Mississippi through the early part of the 1800s, they developed a unique frontier culture. A clan-style network between the various villages and their surrounding farms, ready to help one another. And each clan had its own local militia.

         Historical Scots-Irish leaders

 President James K. Polk's Scots-Irish ancestors settled North Carolina.

Sam Houston hero of Texas independent had Scots-Irish roots.

Davey Crockett- famous folk hero had Scot-Irish roots.

Davey Crockett

 

President James Monroe descendants immigrated from Ulster to Virginia.

President Jimmy Carter, Scots-Irish ancestors colonized Georgia.

Not all Scots-Irish were sympathetic to the natives. President Andrew Jackson whose ancestors were Scots-Irish hated the Natives and did all he could to ensure they were removed from the United States. Even those who had assimilated completely into the white culture. The first Trail of Tears took place during his administration.

Did you know? 

About one-third of the Continental Army were Scots-Irish. Their strong desire for independence helped shape the efforts to win the Revolutionary War. 

         Scots-Irish music influenced country music

The Celtic music of lowland Scots had a large influence on American country music. The fiddle was the main instrument and many of the ancient songs depicting historical events from Scotland and Ireland are still sung in the Appalachian Mountians. Bluegrass and early country music reflected their tempo as they began to create their own songs.

When I introduced my children to a video of Celtic music, they declared it sounded just like country music. Absolutely proud to know my ancestors had a hand in shaping it. Here is a sample of their music.

Any of you out there know if your ancestors are Scots-Irish?

Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author in Historical and Contemporary Romance.  She’s a 2018 Selah Finalist. Cindy has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.

I have a lot of irish characters in Village of Women in honor of my ancestors.