Cornish Americans facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 2 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 California,  Minnesota,  Michigan,  Pennsylvania and  Wisconsin
|
|
| Languages | |
| English (American English dialects) Cornish | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Cornish, English Americans, Welsh Americans, Breton Americans, Manx Americans, Scottish Americans, Scotch-Irish Americans, Irish Americans |
Cornish Americans (in Cornish: Kernowyon yn Amerika) are Americans who have Cornish ancestry. The Cornish are an ethnic group of Brittonic Celts. They come from Cornwall and the Scilly Isles in the United Kingdom.
Contents
Who Are Cornish Americans?
Cornish Americans are people in the United States whose families originally came from Cornwall. Cornwall is a beautiful peninsula in the southwest of England. It has a long coastline and a rich history. The Cornish people are known for their unique culture and their strong connection to the sea and mining.
Why Did Cornish People Come to America?
Many Cornish people came to America, especially during the 1800s. They were often called "Cousin Jacks." This nickname came from the way they would ask if their "cousin Jack" could get a job in the mines.
The main reason they left Cornwall was because the tin and copper mines there started to close down. This meant fewer jobs and harder times for families. At the same time, America was discovering huge amounts of valuable minerals like gold, silver, copper, and iron.
Miners in America needed skilled workers. The Cornish were some of the best miners in the world. They had special knowledge about digging tunnels and finding ore. So, many Cornish families decided to move to America for new opportunities.
Where Did Cornish Americans Settle?
When Cornish immigrants arrived in America, they often went to places where mining was booming. They settled in states like:
- Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, for copper and iron mining.
- Wisconsin, particularly in areas like Mineral Point, for lead mining.
- Minnesota, in the Iron Range, for iron ore.
- California, during the Gold Rush, for gold mining.
- Montana, especially Butte, for copper mining.
- Pennsylvania, for coal mining.
These communities often looked and felt a bit like Cornwall. People spoke with Cornish accents and kept their traditions alive.
What Did Cornish Americans Contribute?
Cornish Americans made many important contributions to the United States.
Mining Skills and Engineering
Their most famous contribution was their expert mining skills. They brought new techniques and safety methods to American mines. They helped build the mining industry that powered America's growth. Many mines in the US were developed thanks to Cornish engineers and miners.
Food and Culture
One of the most delicious contributions is the pasty. A pasty is a savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Miners could easily carry them into the mines for lunch. The thick crust could be held with dirty hands and then thrown away. Today, pasties are still a popular food in many former mining towns.
Cornish Americans also brought their love for music, dance, and sports. Cornish wrestling, a traditional form of grappling, was popular in mining camps. They also formed brass bands and singing groups.
Notable Cornish Americans
Many famous Americans have Cornish ancestry. For example, President Harry S. Truman had Cornish roots. Another notable person is Natasha Trethewey, a famous American poet who served as the United States Poet Laureate. These individuals show the diverse impact Cornish Americans have had on American society.
Images for kids
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A "Cousin Jack's" pasty shop in Grass Valley, California
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Natasha Trethewey, United States Poet Laureate
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President Truman, possibly a Cornish Tremaine
See also
In Spanish: Inmigración córnica en los Estados Unidos para niños
