Duffy's Cut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duffy's Cut
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Enclosure where the majority of human remains are believed to rest, possibly after having been moved
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| Country | United States |
| Town | Malvern, Pennsylvania |
Duffy's Cut is a special place in Pennsylvania, about 30 miles (48 km) west of Philadelphia. It's a stretch of old railroad tracks built in 1832. This railway line later became part of the important Pennsylvania Railroad.
A man named Philip Duffy hired 57 Irish immigrants to build these tracks. These workers came from Ulster in Ireland to find jobs in America's growing railroad industry. Sadly, something terrible happened to them. Many believe all 57 workers died from a serious illness called cholera.
Researchers have found the remains of seven people at the site. Some evidence suggests that a few of them might have been hurt, possibly because people were afraid of the illness spreading. However, a coroner who studied the bones thinks these marks might be from natural changes after death. The exact truth is still a bit of a mystery.
The site is in East Whiteland Township, near Malvern, Pennsylvania. A special sign, called a state historical marker, has been placed there to remember the workers.
The Story of Duffy's Cut
In the 1800s, many immigrants, especially Irish Catholics, faced tough times. They were often seen as workers who could be easily replaced. This made their lives very hard.
The official records about the deaths at Duffy's Cut were kept secret for a long time. They were hidden away by the Pennsylvania Railroad company. In the 1970s, a man named Joseph Tripican, who worked for the railroad, took these papers when the company closed.
Years later, in the 1990s, Joseph's grandson, Reverend Dr. Frank Watson, found these old papers. He and his brother, Dr. William Watson, a history professor, started to research the story. They worked with other professors, Earl Schandelmeier and John Ahtes, from Immaculata University.
On June 18, 2004, a special historical marker was put up near Duffy's Cut. It tells the story of the 57 Irish workers who died there in August 1832 from cholera. The marker explains that unfair treatment against Irish Catholics meant the workers didn't get the care they needed. Their deaths show the dangers many immigrant workers faced back then.
In August 2004, a team led by Dr. William Watson began digging at the site. They wanted to find out more about what happened. On March 20, 2009, they found the first human bones, including skulls and teeth. This was a big discovery! A bone expert, Janet Monge, helped them study the remains.
On March 9, 2012, the remains of five men and one woman were given a proper burial. This religious service took place at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. These people were found by the researchers near the old railroad line. Another body was found and identified as John Ruddy, who was from County Donegal, Ireland. His remains were sent back to Ireland for burial. In 2013, the remains of Catherine Burns from County Tyrone were also found and reburied in Ireland in 2015.
The digging at the site had to stop because Amtrak, the company that owns the land, couldn't give permission for more digging. This was because the site was too close to active railroad tracks.
Gallery
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This old construction tool and iron strap were found at the site. They were used to build the railway in 1832.
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A cross marks the grave of some of the victims in West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
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This memorial marker at West Laurel Hill Cemetery lists names related to Duffy's Cut.
See also
- St. Malachi Church, a Catholic church built in 1838, about 25 miles (40 km) southwest.
