Cornish Americans

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Grass Valley Cousin Jacks Pasties

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Natasha Trethewey during book signing at the University of Michigan

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Cornish Americans are citizens of the United States who describe themselves or are described as having full or partial ancestry from Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England. The Cornish are considered a Celtic people and share a distinct cultural identity, language (Cornish), and historical experience that differentiate them from other English groups. The migration of Cornish people to the United States is part of the broader pattern of British immigration to the United States and has contributed to the cultural and economic development of certain regions within the country.

History

The history of Cornish Americans can be traced back to the 17th century when Cornish miners, skilled in the extraction of metals such as copper and tin, began to arrive in the United States. The Cornish were highly regarded for their mining expertise and played a significant role in the development of the mining industry in states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and California during the 19th century. This period, known as the Cornish diaspora, saw a significant number of Cornish people emigrate due to economic hardship in Cornwall and the opportunities presented by the mining booms in the United States.

Culture

Cornish Americans have maintained a distinct cultural identity, with the Cornish language, music, and festivals playing an integral part in their community life. The Kernewek Lowender, a Cornish festival in the United States, celebrates Cornish heritage with traditional music, dance, and a revival of the Cornish language. Cornish pasties, a traditional Cornish food, have become a popular dish among Cornish American communities and a symbol of Cornish identity.

Notable Cornish Americans

Several notable Americans of Cornish descent have made significant contributions to American society in various fields such as politics, the arts, and science. These include the inventor Thomas Edison, whose mother was of Cornish descent, and the Union Army general John C. Frémont.

Demographics

Cornish Americans are primarily concentrated in areas with historical mining industries, such as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and parts of California. However, Cornish heritage organizations and societies exist throughout the United States, promoting awareness of Cornish culture and history.

Organizations

The Cornish American Heritage Society is one of the key organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Cornish culture and heritage in the United States. It organizes events, publishes newsletters, and provides resources for genealogical research to connect Cornish Americans with their ancestral roots.

Conclusion

Cornish Americans, while a small fraction of the American population, have played a significant role in the development of the United States, particularly in the mining industry. Their cultural traditions and heritage continue to be celebrated by descendants and contribute to the multicultural tapestry of the United States.