French Canadian Americans facts for kids
| Américains canadiens | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 2,100,840 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, and Louisiana | |
| Languages | |
| French (Canadian and American) · English | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Roman Catholicism, minority of Protestantism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| French Canadians, French Americans, Canadian Americans, French people, Cajuns, Métis Americans |
French-Canadian Americans are people in the United States whose families originally came from French Canada. They are also sometimes called Franco-Canadian Americans. In 2010, about 2.1 million people in the U.S. said they had French-Canadian roots. Many of them still speak French at home.
Most French-Canadian Americans live in places like New England and the Midwest. Their ancestors often moved to the U.S. from Quebec, Canada, between 1840 and 1930. However, some families settled in the U.S. much earlier, in the 1600s and 1700s.
Contents
Who Are French-Canadian Americans?
French-Canadian Americans are a big part of the American population. They are people who have family ties to French-speaking Canada. This means their ancestors came from places like Quebec.
Many of these families have lived in the U.S. for a long time. They have helped shape the culture and history of many American states.
Where Do They Live?
Most French-Canadian Americans live in specific parts of the United States. You can find many of them in the New England states. These include Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
They also live in other areas. These include New York and states in the Midwest, like Michigan. Some also live in Louisiana.
A Look Back in Time: Their Journey to the U.S.
The biggest wave of French-Canadian people came to the U.S. between 1840 and 1930. They often moved from Quebec, Canada. Many came looking for jobs in factories and mills.
These new arrivals helped build many towns and cities. They brought their language and traditions with them. Some families, though, had already settled in the U.S. much earlier. This was in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Language and Culture
A key part of French-Canadian American culture is the French language. While many speak English, French is still spoken in many homes. They speak a form of French called Canadian French.
Their culture is also strongly linked to their religion. Most French-Canadian Americans are Roman Catholic. This faith has played a big role in their communities. They have built churches and schools that reflect their heritage.
Images for kids
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Distribution of Franco Americans according to the 2000 census
