Caitlyn Aldersea // Contributing Writer
On Sep. 17, Irish Network Colorado (INCO) held the Irish Miners’ Memorial to commemorate the 1,339 unmarked graves of Irish immigrants in Leadville, Colo. In attendance were Irish Consul General Micheàl Smith, INCO President Alan Groarke and Leadville Mayor Greg Labbe who unveiled a bronze statue depicting an Irish miner holding a pickaxe and harp. The statue symbolizes the enduring connection between Ireland and Colorado, paying tribute to Irish culture and heritage.
The unmarked graves were first discovered by Professor Jim Walsh from the University of Colorado Denver. While undertaking research on Irish immigration to Leadville, Walsh uncovered rows of unmarked graves in the ‘pauper’ section of the local cemetery. After nearly two decades of extensive research, he and CU Denver interns determined that approximately 70 percent of those buried were of Irish descent with the vast majority hailing from the small mining town of Allihiles in West Cork, Ireland.
Leadville was a historic destination for Irish immigrants in the late 1800s. Seeking opportunity in the United States following the Great Famine, many settled in Leadville due to the abundance of mining jobs. Immigration to the small mountain town became so prolific, Leadville earned the nickname “Little Ireland” as nearly 6,000 of 30,000 residents were Irish or of Irish descent.
The American Dream, however, proved elusive for many. The town’s Irish occupied the bottom of the social ladder, earning only $3 a day for their work in the mines. Many died young; the average age of the deceased was 23 years old and nearly 50 percent were 12 or younger. Their persistent work ethic, however, inspired them to fight for better working conditions. Going on strike twice, Irish miners demanded a wage raise from $3 to $4 with a workday reduction to eight hours and the right to unionize.
After discovering the unmarked graves, Walsh approached Irish Network Colorado given the organization’s mission to enhance public awareness on Irish culture and tradition. Alan Groarke, President of INCO, was moved by the initial commemoration of the graves six years ago, recalling the event as a somber reminder of immigrant narratives. He and other INCO volunteers were then committed to uncovering why such stories had remained buried for so long.
“We had more questions than answers; why did this happen, why were they forgotten? An idea that we talked about was building a site to interpret and pass on the story of these forgotten Irish immigrants.”
This memorial site, centered around the unmarked graves and new statue, is only part of the broader mission to increase public awareness. The second phase involves planning for glass panels which will list the names of those buried. A tentative reveal date is set for Sep. 2023, where members of the public can view the panels as well as additional placards with information about the history of Irish immigration to Colo.
For Groarke and other Irish-Coloradans, the commemorative site represents much more than the individual narratives of Irish immigrants. While Colorado has significantly changed since the 1800s, Groarke heeds those who overlook the application of such history lessons to today.
“Studying history like the Leadville Irish helps us understand how the events of the past make the people of today. By exploring deeper into our history, we can avoid making the same mistakes we made back then today and we can make a more inclusive path for our society.”
The Irish Network Colorado hopes their public outreach will inspire the next generation to consider the significance of immigrant storytelling as a facet of our country’s history.
Collaboration opportunities with INCO are currently available in the education field to enrich known histories of Irish miners, women, public health and infant mortality. Those interested can reach out to INCO directly via email info@irishnetworkco.com or on their website.
