kids encyclopedia robot

Polish American facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
2008 Pulaski Day Parade
Polish-American parade in New York City, 2008

A Polish American is a person living in the United States whose family came from Poland. Polish people have been in North America since the early 1600s. Many Polish Americans live in Chicago, which has more Polish people than any city in the world except Warsaw. Most Polish immigrants are Catholic or practice Judaism.

Who are Polish Americans?

Polish Americans are people who live in the United States but have ancestors (family members from the past) who came from Poland. They are an important part of the American population. Many Polish Americans have kept their traditions, language, and culture alive.

History of Polish Immigration

Polish people have been coming to America for a very long time.

Early Arrivals (1600s-1800s)

The first Polish people arrived in America in 1608. They came to the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. These early settlers were skilled workers. They helped the new colony by making things like glass and tar.

Later, during the 1700s, some Polish people came to America to help fight for independence. Famous Polish heroes like Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kościuszko helped the American colonists during the American Revolutionary War.

The Great Migration (Late 1800s - Early 1900s)

The biggest wave of Polish immigrants came to the U.S. between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Millions of Poles left their homeland. They came for several reasons:

  • Looking for Work: Many were farmers or factory workers. They hoped to find better jobs and more opportunities in America.
  • Political Problems: At that time, Poland was not an independent country. It was divided among other empires. Many Poles wanted to escape political problems and find freedom.
  • Religious Freedom: Some also sought a place where they could practice their religion freely.

These immigrants often settled in big industrial cities. They found jobs in factories, mines, and farms. They helped build America's industries.

After World War II and the Cold War

After World War II, another group of Poles came to the U.S. Many were refugees who could not return home. Later, during the Cold War, some Poles came seeking political freedom. They wanted to escape communist rule in Poland.

Where Do Polish Americans Live?

Polish Americans live all over the United States. However, some cities and regions have very large Polish American communities.

Major Polish American Cities

  • Chicago, Illinois: This city is often called the "second capital of Poland." It has one of the largest Polish populations outside of Warsaw. Many Polish churches, shops, and cultural centers are found here.
  • New York City, New York: Especially the Greenpoint neighborhood in Brooklyn, is known as "Little Poland."
  • Detroit, Michigan: This city also has a long history of Polish immigration. Many Poles worked in the auto industry here.
  • Other Cities: Large Polish communities can also be found in Cleveland, Ohio, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Buffalo, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Culture and Traditions

Polish Americans have worked hard to keep their culture alive. They celebrate many traditions from Poland.

Religion

Most Polish immigrants were Catholic. The Catholic Church played a very important role in their communities. Churches often became centers for social life and cultural activities. They helped immigrants feel connected to their heritage.

Food

Polish cuisine is very popular among Polish Americans. Some well-known dishes include:

  • Pierogi: Dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, meat, or fruit.
  • Kielbasa: A type of Polish sausage.
  • Golabki: Cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice.
  • Paczki: Delicious filled doughnuts, especially popular around Fat Tuesday.

Holidays and Celebrations

Polish Americans celebrate many traditional Polish holidays:

  • Easter: Celebrated with special foods and blessings.
  • Christmas: Known for the Wigilia (Christmas Eve supper) and carols.
  • Pulaski Day: Celebrated in some states, honoring Casimir Pulaski, a hero of the American Revolution.
  • Polish Festivals: Many cities hold festivals with Polish music, dancing, and food.

Contributions of Polish Americans

Polish Americans have made many important contributions to the United States.

In Science and Arts

  • Scientists: Many Polish Americans have excelled in science and engineering.
  • Artists and Musicians: They have enriched American culture with their talents in music, art, and literature.

In Politics and Military

  • Politics: Polish Americans have served in all levels of government, from local offices to the U.S. Congress.
  • Military: They have bravely served in all American wars, defending the country.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Inmigración polaca en los Estados Unidos para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Polish American Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.