Italian Americans Working In The Fields

In the 1890s, many Italian American immigrants lived in California not only because of the gold rush, but because of the news spreading that Italian immigrants flourished there because of their contribution to the agricultural industry. While many became fishermen, others went to the valleys to grow fruits (Found SF). As said by Found SF in their publication on the San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf website, Italian crop farmers produced goods in such abundance that altogether their crops were worth nineteen million dollars.

While Italian Americans also struggled, as most came to America with nothing in their pockets, many felt at home because of their family and the “paesani,” the Italian immigrants they met and worked with who shared their values. Jobs in America were hard to find for Italian immigrants, and so they worked whatever jobs they could find in order to support their families. “Men dug ditches, mined coal and ore, worked the farm or hauled heavy hod containers up ladders. Women also worked long hours, in textile sweatshops, as domestics, or as a family, on farms” (Traficante). Although Italians brought a lot of good work to the agricultural and fishing industries, many still faced hardships as immigrants. It was stated that the Italian Americans working on the fields experienced threats and acts of discrimination, “and even witnessed their brethren dangle by the neck at the end of ropes” (Traficante). Even though their work in the orchards was praised, as they brought great agricultural skills from Italy, they still faced hardships like those in the East. Despite the acts of discrimination they faced even while working on the fields, Italian Americans remained determined and resilient people, continuing to work through these difficulties in hopes of being able to live the American Dream (Traficante). Their hard work and resilience led many to become very successful and be able to support their families as needed. 

Credit: Sophia Sordello