Five Points: New York's Irish Working Class in the 1850s

The five points in New York are the most notorious urban slam streets before the war and can be seen through conflicting views between locally born Protestant Reformers and Immigrant Catholic Families. Members of the Mulvahill family explained the everyday life of a complex community inconsistent with the 19th century stereotypes of immigrants. (Duration: 30 minutes)

This booklet is supported in the 30-minute documentary "Five Points: New York Irish Working Class" of the American Social History Project of the 1950s. The Audience Guide contains background information on questions raised by documentaries and other key materials used in classes.

One of Ireland's leaders in the New York militia was Colonel Michael Corcororan, an active member of the Irish community who grew up in New York in the 1950s. Corcoran, born in Calloweal, County Sligo, was forced to migrate to the United States in 1849. He found a job as a staff, but I felt that I could do more. The movement led by the Republic of Ireland Corps is called Fenianism from Irish fiancés, meaning "warrior bands". Corcoran is working quickly in the Fenian circle and I'd like to armed and train Ireland

At the beginning of the 19th century, three major immigration groups entered the northeastern United States through New York. English, Irish, and German. On the Lower East Side of New York, these immigrant groups formed gangs in areas called Five Points. These include Smith's Vly gang, Bowery Boys, and Broadway boys, three of whom are primarily Irish immigrants. Blacks living in New York formed two major groups, Fly Boys and Longbridge Boys. These early gangs were not specialized in criminal activity, and their members were often employed as regular workers.

Many of the modern gang rites come from Irish gangs. Irish immigrants from New York formed these gangs. These Irish gangs first became criminal organizations. They are criminals and quarrels who own territory (5 points) in New York City. These gangs refer to each other with a nickname and are identified by a dress code. One of the Irish gangs that were originally organized was called "40 thieves". In 1826, a man named Edward Coleman organized the gang. Another group called Bowery Boys appeared during this period. The two groups are fighting territories