Michigan’s Irish Ghost Towns and Forgotten Settlements

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, it's a fitting time to explore the history of Michigan’s Irish immigrants and the communities they built. While some of these settlements have faded away, their stories continue to shape the cultural fabric of the state. From bustling maritime hubs to once-thriving rural villages, these forgotten places hold echoes of the past that deserve to be remembered.

Parnell: A Testament to Irish Resilience

Located in Kent County, Parnell was founded by Irish immigrants in the 1830s and '40s, drawn to the area's fertile farmland. By 1844, a strong Irish Catholic community had formed, centered around St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, which still stands today as a historical landmark. Parnell remains a reminder of the deep roots Irish settlers planted in Michigan.

Corktown: Detroit’s Irish Enclave

Detroit’s oldest surviving neighborhood, Corktown, was named for the influx of Irish immigrants from County Cork during the Great Famine of the 1840s. By the 1850s, nearly half the population of the city’s 8th Ward was of Irish descent. Though the neighborhood has evolved, its Irish heritage remains an integral part of its identity.

Beaver Island: The Irish Fishing Kingdom

After the fall of the Strangite Mormon colony in 1856, Irish Catholic fishermen from Mackinac Island and surrounding areas settled Beaver Island. The community thrived on commercial fishing, and for decades, residents spoke an Ulster Irish dialect. By the 1880s, the island had become one of the largest suppliers of freshwater fish in the country, a testament to the hardworking Irish settlers who made it their home.

Wyoming Township: Irish Pioneers in West Michigan

Irish immigrants arrived in Wyoming Township, near Grand Rapids, in the mid-19th century. The Whalen family was among the earliest settlers, with Michael Avenue named in their honor. These pioneers worked in agriculture and industry, contributing to the township’s growth and legacy.

Fisher’s Station: A Forgotten Settlement

Established in the mid-19th century along the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, Fisher’s Station was a small but important settlement. While it was not exclusively Irish, many Irish laborers played a role in its development, working in mills and on the railroad. Though the town faded, its place in Michigan’s history remains.

Remembering Michigan’s Irish Legacy

While some of these communities have disappeared, their contributions live on in the traditions, architecture, and place names scattered across the state. This St. Patrick’s Day, as we celebrate Irish heritage, let's also take a moment to reflect on these forgotten settlements and the people who helped shape Michigan’s history.