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{{short description|Americans of Belgian birth or descent}}
{{Short description|Americans of Belgian birth or descent}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Belgian Americans
| group = Belgian Americans
| native_name = {{small|''Belgische Amerikanen'' {{no bold|{{small|([[Dutch language|Dutch]])}}}}}}<br />{{small|''Belges américains'' {{no bold|{{small|([[French language|French]])}}}}}} <br />{{small|''Belgische Amerikaner'' {{no bold|{{small|([[German language|German]])}}}}}}
| pop = 339,512 (2019 census)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=ancestry&t=Ancestry&d=ACS%201-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables&tid=ACSDT1Y2019.B04006&hidePreview=true|title=U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
| pop = 339,512 (2019 census)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=ancestry&t=Ancestry&d=ACS%201-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables&tid=ACSDT1Y2019.B04006&hidePreview=true|title=U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
| popplace = [[Wisconsin]]{{·}}[[Michigan]]{{·}}[[Ohio]]{{·}}[[New York (state)|New York]]{{·}}[[Los Angeles]]{{·}}[[Florida]]{{·}}[[Illinois]]{{·}}[[California]]{{·}}[[Minnesota]]
| popplace = [[Wisconsin]]{{·}}[[Michigan]]{{·}}[[Ohio]]{{·}}[[New York (state)|New York]]{{·}}[[Florida]]{{·}}[[Illinois]]{{·}}[[California]]{{·}}[[Minnesota]]
| langs = [[English language|English]]{{·}}[[Flemish|Flemish Dutch]]{{·}}[[French language|French]]{{·}}[[Walloon language|Walloon]]
| langs = [[English language|English]]{{·}}[[Flemish dialects|Flemish Dutch]]{{·}}[[Belgian French|Walloon French]]{{·}}[[Wisconsin Walloon]]{{·}}[[German language|German]]
| rels = Predominantly [[Roman Catholicism]]
| rels = Predominantly [[Roman Catholicism]]
| related = [[French Americans]]{{·}}[[Dutch Americans]]{{·}}[[German Americans]]
| related = [[French Americans]]{{·}}[[Dutch Americans]]{{·}}[[German Americans]]{{·}}[[Luxembourgish Americans]]
}}
}}


'''Belgian Americans''' are [[Americans]] who can trace their ancestry to immigrants from [[Belgium]] who emigrated to the United States. While the first natives of the then-Southern Netherlands arrived in America in the 17th century, the majority of Belgian immigrants [[History of immigration to the United States|arrived during the 19th and 20th centuries]].
'''Belgian Americans''' are [[Americans]] who can trace their ancestry to people from [[Belgium]] who immigrated to the United States. While the first natives of the then-Southern Netherlands arrived in America in the 17th century, most Belgian immigrants [[History of immigration to the United States|arrived during the 19th and the 20th centuries]].


According to the 2019 US census, there are 339,512 Americans who identify themselves as partially or fully of Belgian ancestry.<ref>Jane Stewart Cook, "Belgian Americans." in ''Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America,'' edited by Thomas Riggs, (3rd ed., vol. 1, Gale, 2014), pp. 275-287. [https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3273300032/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=392a8160 online].</ref>
According to the 2019 U.S. census, there are 339,512 Americans who identify themselves as partially or fully of Belgian ancestry.<ref>Jane Stewart Cook, "Belgian Americans." in ''Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America,'' edited by Thomas Riggs, (3rd ed., vol. 1, Gale, 2014), pp. 275-287. [https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3273300032/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=392a8160 online].</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Eugène Laermans - Landverhuizers (KMSKA) (center panel - Laatste blik).jpg|thumb|''The Emigrants'' (1896) by the Belgian artist [[Eugène Laermans]]]]
[[File:Eugène Laermans - Landverhuizers (KMSKA) (center panel - Laatste blik).jpg|thumb|''The Emigrants'' (1896) by the Belgian artist [[Eugène Laermans]]]]
During the 17th century, colonists from the [[Southern Netherlands]] (the area of modern-day Belgium) lived in several of the [[Thirteen Colonies]] of North America. Settlements already existed in [[New York (state)|New York]] in [[Wallabout]] (Brooklyn), on [[Long Island]] and [[Staten Island]]—and [[New Jersey]] ([[Hoboken, New Jersey|Hoboken]], [[Jersey City]], [[Pavonia, New Netherland|Pavonia]], [[Communipaw]], and [[Wallkill River|Wallkill]]). Later, other settlers moved into the [[Middle States]]. Many names are derived from the [[Walloon church|Walloon reformed]] immigrants who settled there and the Dutch versions of [[Walloon language|Walloon]] words used to describe a locale. There were also Southern Netherlands colonies in [[Connecticut]], [[Delaware]], and [[Pennsylvania]] established primarily by Walloons, many of whom arrived with the [[Dutch West India Company]] (founded by [[Willem Usselincx]], a Fleming).
During the 17th century, colonists from the [[Southern Netherlands]] (now Belgium) lived in several of the [[Thirteen Colonies]] of [[North America]]. Settlements already existed in [[New York (state)|New York]] in [[Wallabout]] (Brooklyn), on [[Long Island]] and [[Staten Island]] and in [[New Jersey]] ([[Hoboken, New Jersey|Hoboken]], [[Jersey City]], [[Pavonia, New Netherland|Pavonia]], [[Communipaw]], and [[Wallkill River|Wallkill]]). Later, other settlers moved into the [[Mid-Atlantic States]]. Many names are derived from the [[Walloon church|Walloon Reformed]] immigrants who settled there and the Dutch versions of [[Walloon language|Walloon]] words that were used to describe locales. There were also Southern Netherlands colonies in [[Connecticut]], [[Delaware]], and [[Pennsylvania]] established primarily by Walloons, many of whom arrived with the [[Dutch West India Company]] (founded by [[Willem Usselincx]], a Fleming).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VQ1zAwAAQBAJ&q=Multicultural+America%3A+A+Multimedia+Encyclopedia+belgian|title=Multicultural America: A Multimedia Encyclopedia|isbn=978-1-4522-7626-7 |last1=Cortés |first1=Carlos E. |date=August 15, 2013 |publisher=SAGE Publications }}</ref>


In the 17th and 18th centuries many Belgians left their mark on American history, including [[Baron Baltimore|Lord Baltimore]] (whose family were Flemish aristocrats). Belgian officers also fought during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; these included Charles De Pauw (a Fleming who accompanied Lafayette to North America), Thomas Van Gaasbeck, Jacques Rapalje, Anthony Van Etten and Johannes Van Etten.
In the 17th and the 18th centuries, many Belgians left their mark on American history, including [[Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimoree|Baron Baltimore]], who was related to Flemish aristocrats. Belgian officers also fought during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; these included Charles De Pauw (a Fleming who accompanied Lafayette to North America), Thomas Van Gaasbeck, Jacques Rapalje, Anthony Van Etten and Johannes Van Etten.{{cn|date=October 2024}}


[[File:Namur Wisconsin.jpg|thumb|left|[[Namur, Wisconsin]], a Belgian American settlement named after the Belgian city of [[Namur]]]]
[[File:Namur Wisconsin.jpg|thumb|left|[[Namur, Wisconsin]], a Belgian American settlement named after the Belgian city of [[Namur]]]]
The first major wave of people from Belgium arrived to the United States during the 19th century, looking for better economic and social conditions for their families (in common with other Western Europeans). Belgian immigrants were first registered in 1820; from then to 1910, 104,000 Belgians entered the U.S. and from 1910 to 1950, the number dropped to 62,000. Between 1847 and 1849 (when Belgium was plagued with disease and economic hardship), 6,000–7,000 Belgians a year arrived in the United States. [[Antwerp]] in Belgium was also one of the largest ports for emigration to America and regular [[Red Star Line]] ships connected the port with the United States and Canada.
The first major wave of people from Belgium arrived to the United States during the 19th century to look for better economic and social conditions for their families (in common with other Western Europeans). Belgian immigrants were first registered in 1820, and until 1910, 104,000 Belgians entered the U.S. and from 1910 to 1950, the number dropped to 62,000. Between 1847 and 1849 when Belgium was plagued with disease and economic hardship, 6,000–7,000 Belgians a year arrived in the United States. [[Antwerp]], Belgium also one of the largest ports for immigration to America, and regular [[Red Star Line]] ships connected the port with the United States and Canada.{{cn|date=October 2024}}


During this era, most Belgians coming to the U.S. were farmers, farm workers or miners; craftsmen (such as masons, cabinetmakers or carpenters) or other persons engaged in commerce (such as lace-makers or glass blowers). During the 20th century many Belgians arrived in the United States to work in spaces such as universities, laboratories and industry. This is especially true after the world wars ended. Several Dutch-language newspapers were published by Belgian immigrants, including the ''Gazette van Moline'' (1907–1940) and the ''[[Gazette van Detroit]]'' (1914–2018). From 1820 to 1970, about 200,000 Belgians emigrated to the United States. Since 1950, about 1,350 Belgians migrate to the United States each year.<ref name="everyculture">And in keeping with the Belgian farming heritage, Wisconsin's first organic hemp farming operation is near Brussels, Wisconsin, which provides edible hemp products; and is founded by a fifth generation Belgian, Stacy Deprey-Purper. The company is called Native Roots Hemp.{{Cite web|url=http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Belgian-Americans.html|title=Belgian Americans|first=Jane Stewart|last=Cook|work=Countries and Their Cultures|access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref>
During this era, most Belgians coming to the United States were farmers, farm workers, or miners; craftsmen (such as masons, cabinetmakers or carpenters); or other persons engaged in commerce (such as lace-makers or glass blowers). During the 20th century, many Belgians arrived in the United States to work in spaces such as universities, laboratories and industry. This is especially true after the world wars ended. Several Dutch-language newspapers were published by Belgian immigrants, including the ''Gazette van Moline'' (1907–1940) and the ''[[Gazette van Detroit]]'' (1914–2018). From 1820 to 1970, about 200,000 Belgians immigrated to the United States. Since 1950, about 1,350 Belgians migrate to the United States each year.<ref name="everyculture">And in keeping with the Belgian farming heritage, Wisconsin's first organic hemp farming operation is near Brussels, Wisconsin, which provides edible hemp products; and is founded by a fifth-generation Belgian, Stacy Deprey-Purper. The company is called Native Roots Hemp.{{Cite web|url=http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Belgian-Americans.html|title=Belgian Americans|first=Jane Stewart|last=Cook|work=Countries and Their Cultures|access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref>


== {{anchor|Demography}}Demographics ==
== {{anchor|Demography}}Demographics ==
[[File:Walloon Giants Belgian Day Wisconsin.jpg|thumb|upright|Two [[Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France|processional giants]], an important element of Belgian and Northern French folklore, pictured in [[Brussels, Wisconsin]].]]
[[File:Walloon Giants Belgian Day Wisconsin.jpg|thumb|upright|Two [[processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France|processional giants]], an important element of Belgian and Northern French folklore, pictured in [[Brussels, Wisconsin]].]]
During the 19th century most Belgians settled in places that offered greater access to employment, establishing significant communities in [[West Virginia]]; [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]; [[Door County, Wisconsin|Door]], [[Brown County, Wisconsin|Brown]] and [[Kewaunee County|Kewaunee Counties]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Pennsylvania]], and [[Indiana]]. There are also substantial communities of Belgian Americans in [[Illinois]], [[Minnesota]], [[North Dakota]], [[Ohio]], [[Kentucky]], [[Florida]], [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] and [[Oregon]]. Many towns and cities across the United States bear the names of their counterparts in Belgium: Liège, Charleroi, Ghent, Antwerp, Namur, Rosiere and Brussels.
During the 19th century most Belgians settled in places that offered greater access to employment, establishing significant communities in [[West Virginia]]; [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]; [[Door County, Wisconsin|Door]], [[Brown County, Wisconsin|Brown]] and [[Kewaunee County|Kewaunee Counties]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Pennsylvania]], and [[Indiana]]. There are also substantial communities of Belgian Americans in [[Illinois]], [[Minnesota]], [[Nebraska]], [[North Dakota]], [[Ohio]], [[Kentucky]], [[Florida]], [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] and [[Oregon]]. Many towns and cities across the United States bear the names of their counterparts in Belgium: Liège, Charleroi, Ghent, Antwerp, Namur, Rosiere and Brussels.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}


Wisconsin and Michigan have the United States's largest Belgian American settlement, located in portions of Brown, Kewaunee and Door counties adjacent to [[Green Bay (Lake Michigan)|Green Bay]]. In 1994 a historical marker was dedicated at Namur, Wisconsin, denoting the surrounding area on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. Walloon-speaking Belgians settled in the region during the 1850s, and still constitute a large part of the population.
Wisconsin and Michigan have the United States's largest Belgian American settlement, located in portions of Brown, Kewaunee and Door counties adjacent to [[Green Bay (Lake Michigan)|Green Bay]]. In 1994 a historical marker was dedicated at Namur, Wisconsin, denoting the surrounding area on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. Walloon-speaking Belgians settled in the region during the 1850s, and still constitute a large part of the population.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} The ''[[Gazette van Detroit]]'' was a widely distributed [[Flanders|Flemish]] newspaper in [[Dutch language|Dutch]] and in English that was published in Detroit, Michigan, from 1914 to 2018.


A number of elements demonstrate the Belgian American presence: place names (Brussels, Namur, Rosiere, Luxemburg, Charleroi), a local French [[patois]], common surnames, unique foods (''[[Booyah (stew)|booyah]]'', ''trippe'', ''jutt''), the [[Kermesse (festival)|Kermesse harvest festival]] and architecture. Many original wooden structures belonging to Belgian Americans were destroyed in the [[Peshtigo fire]], a [[firestorm]] which swept across southern Door County in October 1871; a few stone houses (made of local [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]]) survived. More common are 1880s red-brick houses, distinguished by their modest size and gable-end, bull's-eye windows. Some houses have detached summer kitchens, with baking ovens appended to the rear. The Belgians, many of them devout Catholics, also erected small roadside votive chapels like those in their homeland.
A number of elements demonstrate the Belgian American presence: placenames (Brussels, Namur, Rosiere, Luxemburg, Charleroi), a local French [[patois]], common surnames, unique foods (''[[booyah (stew)|booyah]]'', ''trippe'', ''jutt''), and the [[Kermesse (festival)|Kermesse harvest festival]] and architecture. Many original wooden structures belonging to Belgian Americans were destroyed in the [[Peshtigo fire]], a [[firestorm]] that swept across southern Door County in October 1871; a few stone houses (made of local [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]]) survived. More common are 1880s red-brick houses, distinguished by their modest size and gable-end and bull's-eye windows. Some houses have detached summer kitchens with baking ovens appended to the rear. The Belgians, many of them devout Catholics, also erected small roadside votive chapels like those in their homeland.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}


=== Population ===
=== Population ===
Line 45: Line 49:
* [[Ohio]]: 9,651
* [[Ohio]]: 9,651


Also some medium communities are in [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Belgian-Americans.html|title=Belgian Americans - History, Modern era, The first belgians in america}}</ref> [[Tennessee]], [[Kentucky]], [[Missouri]] and [[Iowa]].
Also, some middle-sized communities are in [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Belgian-Americans.html|title=Belgian Americans - History, Modern era, The first belgians in america}}</ref> [[Tennessee]], [[Kentucky]], [[Missouri]] and [[Iowa]].


== Religions ==
== Religions ==
[[File:The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Belgique Missouri 10.jpg|thumb|19th-century view of [[Belgique, Missouri]] and its church]]
[[File:The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Belgique Missouri 10.jpg|thumb|19th-century view of [[Belgique, Missouri]], and its church]]
The majority of Belgian Americans are [[Roman Catholic]], although some are [[Presbyterians]] and [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalians]]. By 1900, Belgian religious orders were present in 16 states. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Namur|Namur]], established bilingual schools in 14 of those states and the Benedictines built missions in the western part of the country. The Jesuits founded [[St. Louis University]] in 1818, expanding the university's influence with Belgian teachers and benefactors. Belgian immigrants do not usually have churches of their own, attending Catholic churches founded by other ethnic Catholics. However, two more-homogeneous groups (in Door County, Wisconsin and Detroit) established churches of their own.
The majority of Belgian Americans are [[Roman Catholic]] although some are [[Presbyterians]] and [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalians]]. By 1900, Belgian religious orders were present in 16 states. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from [[Namur]], established bilingual schools in 14 of those states, and the Benedictines built missions in the [[Western United States|West]]. The Jesuits founded [[St. Louis University]] in 1818, expanding the university's influence with Belgian teachers and benefactors. Belgian immigrants do not usually have churches of their own and attend Catholic churches that were founded by other ethnic Catholics. However, two more-homogeneous groups (in [[Door County]], [[Wisconsin]], and [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]) established churches of their own.


Since then, Belgians have established several churches in the United States. In 1853 a Belgian missionary, Father Edward Daems, joined with a group of immigrants to establish a community in [[Bay Settlement, Wisconsin]] known as ''Aux premiers Belges'' (''Naar de eerste Belgen'') ("to the first Belgians"). By 1860, St. Hubert's Church was built in Bay Settlement and St. Mary's in [[Namur, Wisconsin|Namur]]. Also built in the 19th century were St. Michael's, St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph's in Door County, the French Presbyterian Church in Green Bay and small, roadside chapels for people who lived too far away to attend parish churches regularly.
Since then, Belgians have established several churches in the United States. In 1853, a Belgian missionary, Father Edward Daems, joined with a group of immigrants to establish a community in [[Bay Settlement, Wisconsin]] known as ''Aux premiers Belges'' (''Naar de eerste Belgen'') ("to the first Belgians"). By 1860, St. Hubert's Church had been built in Bay Settlement and St. Mary's in [[Namur, Wisconsin|Namur]]. Also built in the 19th century were St. Michael's, St. John the Baptist, and St. Joseph's in Door County; the French Presbyterian Church in [[Green Bay, Wisconsin|Green Bay]]; and small roadside chapels for people who lived too far away to attend parish churches regularly.


In 1834 Father Bonduel of Commnes, Belgium was the first priest to be ordained in Detroit. The first Catholic college (1836) was operated by Flemish Belgian priests, and the first school for girls was founded (in 1834) by an order of Belgian nuns. By 1857 Catholics in Detroit were a sizable group, and in 1884 the first Belgian parish was established. However, many Belgian Catholic parishes have disappeared or merged with other parishes due to the shortage of priests.<ref name="everyculture"/>
In 1834, Father Florimond Bonduel, from [[Commnes-Warneton|Commnes]], was the first priest to be ordained in Detroit. The first Catholic college (1836) was operated by Flemish Belgian priests, and the first school for girls was founded in 1834 by an order of Belgian nuns. By 1857, Catholics in Detroit were a sizable group, and in 1884, the first Belgian parish was established. However, many Belgian Catholic parishes have disappeared or merged with other parishes because of the shortage of priests.<ref name="everyculture"/>


== {{anchor|Military}}Military service==
== {{anchor|Military}}Military service==
{{Main|Belgian immigrants in Wisconsin during the Civil War}}
{{Main|Belgian immigrants in Wisconsin during the Civil War}}
Belgian Americans fought in the [[American Revolutionary War]], both [[world wars]] and the [[Korea War|Korean]] and [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] wars. During World War I Belgian Americans gave generously to the aid of children who were victims of the war, resulting in an official delegation from Belgium to the United States honoring their efforts in 1917.<ref name="everyculture"/>
Belgian Americans fought in the [[American Revolutionary War]], both [[world wars]] and the [[Korea War|Korean]] and [[Vietnam War|Vietnam Wars]]. During [[World War I]], Belgian Americans gave generously to the aid of children who were victims of the war, which resulted in an official delegation from Belgium to the United States honoring their efforts in 1917.<ref name="everyculture"/>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
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*[[Jessé de Forest]]
*[[Jessé de Forest]]
*[[Belgian Canadians]]
*[[Belgian Canadians]]
*[[Belgium–United States relations]]

*[[European Americans]]
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
Line 74: Line 79:
* {{cite book |last1=Cook |first1=Bernard A. |title=Belgians in Michigan |date=2007 |publisher=Michigan State University Press |location=East Lansing |isbn=978-0870138126}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cook |first1=Bernard A. |title=Belgians in Michigan |date=2007 |publisher=Michigan State University Press |location=East Lansing |isbn=978-0870138126}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cook |first1=Jane Stewart |editor1-last=Riggs |editor1-first=Thomas |title=Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America |date=2014 |publisher=Gale |pages=275–287 |edition=3rd |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3273300032/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=75908169 |chapter=Belgian Americans}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cook |first1=Jane Stewart |editor1-last=Riggs |editor1-first=Thomas |title=Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America |date=2014 |publisher=Gale |pages=275–287 |edition=3rd |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3273300032/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=75908169 |chapter=Belgian Americans}}
* Coolsaet, Rik (2024). [https://issuu.com/dotburo/docs/voyage_to_america ''Voyage to America'']. Brussels, April
* {{cite journal |last1=Fones‐Wolf |first1=Ken |title=Transatlantic Craft Migrations and Transnational Spaces: Belgian Window Glass Workers in America, 1880–1920 |journal=Labor History |date=1 August 2004 |volume=45 |issue=3 |pages=299–321 |doi=10.1080/002365604200026216|s2cid=154628365 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Fones-Wolf |first1=Ken |title=Transatlantic Craft Migrations and Transnational Spaces: Belgian Window Glass Workers in America, 1880–1920 |journal=Labor History |date=1 August 2004 |volume=45 |issue=3 |pages=299–321 |doi=10.1080/002365604200026216|s2cid=154628365 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Holand |first1=Hjalmar |title=Wisconsin's Belgian Community |date=1933 |publisher=Door County Historical Society |location=Sturgeon Bay |isbn= |pages= |url=http://wi-research.info/wisconsin-history/Wisconsins%20Belgian%20Community.pdf |chapter=}}
* {{cite book |last1=Holand |first1=Hjalmar |title=Wisconsin's Belgian Community |date=1933 |publisher=Door County Historical Society |location=Sturgeon Bay |isbn= |pages= |url=http://wi-research.info/wisconsin-history/Wisconsins%20Belgian%20Community.pdf |chapter=}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Hume |first1=Susan E. |title=Belgian Settlement and Society in the Indiana Rust Belt |journal=Geographical Review |date=2003 |volume=93 |issue=1 |pages=30–50 |doi=10.1111/j.1931-0846.2003.tb00019.x |jstor=30033888 |s2cid=162454416 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/30033888 |issn=0016-7428}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Hume |first1=Susan E. |title=Belgian Settlement and Society in the Indiana Rust Belt |journal=Geographical Review |date=2003 |volume=93 |issue=1 |pages=30–50 |doi=10.1111/j.1931-0846.2003.tb00019.x |jstor=30033888 |s2cid=162454416 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/30033888 |issn=0016-7428}}
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}
{{commonscatinline}}
* [http://www.uwgb.edu/archives/genealogy/belgianAmer.asp Belgian-American Research Collection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420163638/http://www.uwgb.edu/archives/genealogy/belgianAmer.asp |date=2019-04-20 }}
* [http://www.uwgb.edu/archives/genealogy/belgianAmer.asp Belgian-American Research Collection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420163638/http://www.uwgb.edu/archives/genealogy/belgianAmer.asp |date=2019-04-20 }}
* [http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/126.html Belgians] at [[Encyclopedia of Chicago]]
* [http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/126.html Belgians] at [[Encyclopedia of Chicago]]
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{{European Americans}}
{{European Americans}}
{{Belgian diaspora}}
{{Belgian diaspora}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:American people of Belgian descent| ]]
[[Category:American people of Belgian descent| ]]
[[Category:Belgian American| ]]
[[Category:Belgian diaspora in the United States| ]]
[[Category:European-American society]]
[[Category:European diaspora in the United States]]
[[Category:Belgian diaspora|United States]]
[[Category:Belgian diaspora|United States]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 2 December 2024

Belgian Americans
Belgische Amerikanen (Dutch)
Belges américains (French)
Belgische Amerikaner (German)
Total population
339,512 (2019 census)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Wisconsin · Michigan · Ohio · New York · Florida · Illinois · California · Minnesota
Languages
English · Flemish Dutch · Walloon French · Wisconsin Walloon · German
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholicism
Related ethnic groups
French Americans · Dutch Americans · German Americans · Luxembourgish Americans

Belgian Americans are Americans who can trace their ancestry to people from Belgium who immigrated to the United States. While the first natives of the then-Southern Netherlands arrived in America in the 17th century, most Belgian immigrants arrived during the 19th and the 20th centuries.

According to the 2019 U.S. census, there are 339,512 Americans who identify themselves as partially or fully of Belgian ancestry.[2]

History

[edit]
The Emigrants (1896) by the Belgian artist Eugène Laermans

During the 17th century, colonists from the Southern Netherlands (now Belgium) lived in several of the Thirteen Colonies of North America. Settlements already existed in New York in Wallabout (Brooklyn), on Long Island and Staten Island and in New Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, Pavonia, Communipaw, and Wallkill). Later, other settlers moved into the Mid-Atlantic States. Many names are derived from the Walloon Reformed immigrants who settled there and the Dutch versions of Walloon words that were used to describe locales. There were also Southern Netherlands colonies in Connecticut, Delaware, and Pennsylvania established primarily by Walloons, many of whom arrived with the Dutch West India Company (founded by Willem Usselincx, a Fleming).[3]

In the 17th and the 18th centuries, many Belgians left their mark on American history, including Baron Baltimore, who was related to Flemish aristocrats. Belgian officers also fought during the American Revolutionary War; these included Charles De Pauw (a Fleming who accompanied Lafayette to North America), Thomas Van Gaasbeck, Jacques Rapalje, Anthony Van Etten and Johannes Van Etten.[citation needed]

Namur, Wisconsin, a Belgian American settlement named after the Belgian city of Namur

The first major wave of people from Belgium arrived to the United States during the 19th century to look for better economic and social conditions for their families (in common with other Western Europeans). Belgian immigrants were first registered in 1820, and until 1910, 104,000 Belgians entered the U.S. and from 1910 to 1950, the number dropped to 62,000. Between 1847 and 1849 when Belgium was plagued with disease and economic hardship, 6,000–7,000 Belgians a year arrived in the United States. Antwerp, Belgium also one of the largest ports for immigration to America, and regular Red Star Line ships connected the port with the United States and Canada.[citation needed]

During this era, most Belgians coming to the United States were farmers, farm workers, or miners; craftsmen (such as masons, cabinetmakers or carpenters); or other persons engaged in commerce (such as lace-makers or glass blowers). During the 20th century, many Belgians arrived in the United States to work in spaces such as universities, laboratories and industry. This is especially true after the world wars ended. Several Dutch-language newspapers were published by Belgian immigrants, including the Gazette van Moline (1907–1940) and the Gazette van Detroit (1914–2018). From 1820 to 1970, about 200,000 Belgians immigrated to the United States. Since 1950, about 1,350 Belgians migrate to the United States each year.[4]

Demographics

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Two processional giants, an important element of Belgian and Northern French folklore, pictured in Brussels, Wisconsin.

During the 19th century most Belgians settled in places that offered greater access to employment, establishing significant communities in West Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Door, Brown and Kewaunee Counties, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. There are also substantial communities of Belgian Americans in Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, Washington and Oregon. Many towns and cities across the United States bear the names of their counterparts in Belgium: Liège, Charleroi, Ghent, Antwerp, Namur, Rosiere and Brussels.[citation needed]

Wisconsin and Michigan have the United States's largest Belgian American settlement, located in portions of Brown, Kewaunee and Door counties adjacent to Green Bay. In 1994 a historical marker was dedicated at Namur, Wisconsin, denoting the surrounding area on the National Register of Historic Places. Walloon-speaking Belgians settled in the region during the 1850s, and still constitute a large part of the population.[citation needed] The Gazette van Detroit was a widely distributed Flemish newspaper in Dutch and in English that was published in Detroit, Michigan, from 1914 to 2018.

A number of elements demonstrate the Belgian American presence: placenames (Brussels, Namur, Rosiere, Luxemburg, Charleroi), a local French patois, common surnames, unique foods (booyah, trippe, jutt), and the Kermesse harvest festival and architecture. Many original wooden structures belonging to Belgian Americans were destroyed in the Peshtigo fire, a firestorm that swept across southern Door County in October 1871; a few stone houses (made of local dolomite) survived. More common are 1880s red-brick houses, distinguished by their modest size and gable-end and bull's-eye windows. Some houses have detached summer kitchens with baking ovens appended to the rear. The Belgians, many of them devout Catholics, also erected small roadside votive chapels like those in their homeland.[citation needed]

Population

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According to the 2000 U.S. census, there were 360,642 Americans whose ancestors came from Belgium. The states with the largest Belgian communities are:

Also, some middle-sized communities are in Washington,[5] Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Iowa.

Religions

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19th-century view of Belgique, Missouri, and its church

The majority of Belgian Americans are Roman Catholic although some are Presbyterians and Episcopalians. By 1900, Belgian religious orders were present in 16 states. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from Namur, established bilingual schools in 14 of those states, and the Benedictines built missions in the West. The Jesuits founded St. Louis University in 1818, expanding the university's influence with Belgian teachers and benefactors. Belgian immigrants do not usually have churches of their own and attend Catholic churches that were founded by other ethnic Catholics. However, two more-homogeneous groups (in Door County, Wisconsin, and Detroit, Michigan) established churches of their own.

Since then, Belgians have established several churches in the United States. In 1853, a Belgian missionary, Father Edward Daems, joined with a group of immigrants to establish a community in Bay Settlement, Wisconsin known as Aux premiers Belges (Naar de eerste Belgen) ("to the first Belgians"). By 1860, St. Hubert's Church had been built in Bay Settlement and St. Mary's in Namur. Also built in the 19th century were St. Michael's, St. John the Baptist, and St. Joseph's in Door County; the French Presbyterian Church in Green Bay; and small roadside chapels for people who lived too far away to attend parish churches regularly.

In 1834, Father Florimond Bonduel, from Commnes, was the first priest to be ordained in Detroit. The first Catholic college (1836) was operated by Flemish Belgian priests, and the first school for girls was founded in 1834 by an order of Belgian nuns. By 1857, Catholics in Detroit were a sizable group, and in 1884, the first Belgian parish was established. However, many Belgian Catholic parishes have disappeared or merged with other parishes because of the shortage of priests.[4]

Military service

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Belgian Americans fought in the American Revolutionary War, both world wars and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During World War I, Belgian Americans gave generously to the aid of children who were victims of the war, which resulted in an official delegation from Belgium to the United States honoring their efforts in 1917.[4]

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates". data.census.gov.
  2. ^ Jane Stewart Cook, "Belgian Americans." in Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America, edited by Thomas Riggs, (3rd ed., vol. 1, Gale, 2014), pp. 275-287. online.
  3. ^ Cortés, Carlos E. (August 15, 2013). Multicultural America: A Multimedia Encyclopedia. SAGE Publications. ISBN 978-1-4522-7626-7.
  4. ^ a b c And in keeping with the Belgian farming heritage, Wisconsin's first organic hemp farming operation is near Brussels, Wisconsin, which provides edible hemp products; and is founded by a fifth-generation Belgian, Stacy Deprey-Purper. The company is called Native Roots Hemp.Cook, Jane Stewart. "Belgian Americans". Countries and Their Cultures. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  5. ^ "Belgian Americans - History, Modern era, The first belgians in america".

Further reading

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Archived 2019-04-20 at the Wayback Machine at Cofrin Library, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay