Overview

Baltimore served as an important port of entry for large numbers of Polish immigrants after the American Civil War. Most of them continued on to Midwestern cities and rural communities. In 1868 a small number of these immigrants began to settle in the city. Arriving at Locust Point those who chose to stay crossed the harbor and took up residence in Fell's Point. In 1870 there were approximately ten Polish families in Baltimore, many of them living in close proximity to one another. As the number of families increased so did their geographical distribution. Although they continued to settle primarily in Fell's Point economic opportunities in Canton and Baltimore County to the east and across the harbor in Anne Arundel County led to Polish settlements in those areas. However, except for those engaged in migrant farm work, Poles were not to be found outside Baltimore City and these two counties. The 1910 Census is of particular importance as it was the last census taken before World War I and the first census to recognize the partitioning of Poland. Entries are arranged alphabetically by surname, and provide county, enumeration district, and the page of the census. Heads-of-household, boarders, in-laws and other relatives with a different surname are included. The 3,671 individuals cited were living in Baltimore City (Wards 1, 2 and 3), Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County.