History of Baltimore's Little Italy
Italian immigrants sought a better life in America as poverty, war, unemployment and famine forced them to cross the Atlantic. With meager possessions in overcrowded steamships, they left behind their homeland and families. Between the mid to late 1800s, many landed near Baltimore’s waterfront via President Street Station. Yet life in America was harsh – Italians were discriminated against, paid less and considered the poorest of immigrants. They banded together to adjust and overcome homesickness, language barriers and disillusionment.
Migrating a few blocks east into what was eventually named Little Italy, they planted roots and developed life reminiscent of villages in Italy. They shared the streets and buildings with Irish, German and Jewish neighbors and shop owners. By the early 1900s, Italians occupied almost every house, offering trades such as taverns, boarding houses, confectioneries, grocers, shoe repair, barber shops, bricklaying, and tailoring. Since 1881, the community has been emotionally and spiritually centered around the Catholic church of St. Leo the Great – true to this day. Although fewer Italians now occupy Little Italy, some residents and restaurateurs are natives of Italy or descendants of the original settlers. Reigning still are remnants of the Italian heritage and culture brought to America from the proud people who originated this charismatic neighborhood..
