History of Italians in Mississippi

The immense obstacles that these Italian immigrants faced in assimilating into the broader society were far from easy, while also attempting to preserve their identity, culture, and traditions in a new land.

In the late 19th century, Italian immigration increased in the United States, which made a tremendous impact on the area.

[2][3] The late 19th century saw the arrival of larger numbers of Italian immigrants who left Italy seeking economic opportunities.

Some Italians from Sicily settled as families along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport, preserving close ties with those in their homeland.

They were mostly from central Italy and experienced in farm work.People originating in Sicily in real life became involved in the fruit industry in the area around New Orleans in the late 1800s, which in turn influenced Italian settlement on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Later on when they arrived in the Delta, they began to settle in towns, which enabled them to open up grocery stores, restaurants, and fruit stands.

Religion, family roots and farming were the three vital traditions Italians managed to maintain after moving to the United States.

[5] During the period of mass immigration to the United States, Italians suffered widespread discrimination in housing, social acceptance and employment.

Because of their darker skin tone and hair, Italians were viewed to be second-class citizens, unlike those of northern European ancestry.

Italian immigrants that were tenant farmers at this time did work equivalent to African Americans, and therefore resulted in both ethnic groups residing at the bottom of the social scale.

Indeed, Mississippi and Louisiana were to become a worldwide symbol of anti-Italianism when, in 1891, eleven Italian immigrants in New Orleans were lynched due to their alleged role in the murder of the police chief David Hennessy.

[8] These nine Italians – some of whom were from the Mississippi Delta – who were thought to have assassinated police chief David Hennessy were arrested, tried, and acquitted.