Harpers Ferry welcomed a large influx of Irish immigrants during the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
In this six part series, Quarryman's Rest host Kaila details the trials and tribulations of life on the canal line for these "exiled" sons of Erin.
With their destitute hands forced to leave their beloved homeland, the Irish were the strength and fortitude of canal and other infrastructure construction throughout the United States. Exploitation and impoverished conditions of these workers led to a tumultuous, exhausting, and dangerous daily life. Written from the perspective of a descendant, this is the history you won't be told while visiting National Park Service exhibits.
