Welsh Influence: 5 ways the Welsh diaspora has made a mark on the USA

From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the rise of major industries, the Welsh diaspora has played a defining role in shaping American identity, leadership, and enterprise. Around 20% of early American settlers were of Welsh origin, and today, over 10 million Americans have a Welsh surname, and over 1.5 million American people also consider themselves to be Welsh. 

Welsh influence endures in U.S. place names, the legacy of pioneering entrepreneurs, and the vibrant cultural life of Welsh-American communities. This article explores that legacy, from founding fathers and presidents to industrial innovators and cultural institutions, highlighting the deep and lasting ties between Wales and the United States.

PRESIDENTS & FOUNDING FATHERS

One of the most striking examples of Welsh influence is seen in the American Declaration of Independence. 16 of the signatories for this history defining document were either Welsh or of recent Welsh descent. Among them were notable founding fathers, such as: 

• William Floyd, a wealthy landowner and political leader from New York, whose great-grandfather emigrated from Brecknockshire, Wales. 
• Francis Lewis, born in Llandaff, Wales, went on to become a prominent merchant and representative of New York in the Continental Congress. 
• Button Gwinnett, a key figure in the revolution and briefly the Governor of Georgia, was the British-born son to a Welsh father, with family roots in the ancient Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd. 

Their contributions were crucial in the fight for American independence and the establishment of a new nation.

The author of the Declaration itself, Thomas Jefferson, was of Welsh heritage. Jefferson’s vision and leadership helped to define American democracy and identity. His Welsh roots are shared by at least eight U.S. presidents, underscoring the profound Welsh imprint on American leadership. 

Other presidents with Welsh ancestry include Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, highlighting the deep and enduring legacy of the Welsh in the leadership and development of the United States.

WELSH PLACE NAMES IN THE USA

The legacy of the Welsh diaspora in the United States isn’t just found in its early leadership, but also across its geography. Numerous towns, counties, and regions across the United States bear names that reflect their settlers’ Welsh heritage.

One of the most notable examples is the “Welsh Tract” in Pennsylvania, settled by Welsh-speaking Quakers in the late 1600s. This area was envisioned as a self-governing Welsh-speaking county. While that ambition was never formally realised, the settlers left a lasting mark through the names they gave their new communities; places like Bryn Mawr (“big hill”) still carry the imprint of their Welsh founders.

This naming tradition extended far beyond Pennsylvania. In Radnor, Ohio, for example, David Pugh, a Welsh immigrant from Radnorshire, helped shape the region after arriving in America in 1801. Inspired by fellow Welshman and Revolutionary War veteran Dr. Samuel Jones, Pugh played a key role in developing the area and gave it a name that honoured his homeland.

Other examples include Cardiff, New York, and Cambria County, Pennsylvania - place names that serve as lasting reminders of the Welsh presence in America. They reflect a community determined to honour its roots and preserve its cultural identity across generations.

PIONEERING WELSH DIASPORA 

David Thomas, born in Cadoxton near Neath, Wales, was a key figure in the Industrial Revolution in the United States. After gaining experience in the Welsh iron industry, Thomas and his son arrived in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, in 1839, where he established the first successful anthracite iron furnace in the U.S. His company played a crucial role in revitalising the iron industry in the Lehigh Valley.

JP Morgan, whose heritage traces back to Llandaff, Cardiff, stands as one of the most influential bankers and financiers in American history. Rising to prominence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries - a period defined by rapid industrialisation and economic expansion - he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s financial landscape. The Morgan family banking dynasty earned global recognition for its financial expertise and lasting influence on both the U.S. and international economies.

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS AND SOCIETIES

The Welsh diaspora in the United States continues to express its heritage through vibrant festivals, music, poetry, and community events. Across the country, Welsh traditions are celebrated and kept alive by dedicated societies and annual gatherings that honour the language, culture, and values of Wales.

One of the most prominent celebrations is the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW), the largest annual gathering of Welsh-Americans and Canadians. Rotating between North American cities, NAFOW brings together people from across the diaspora to celebrate the Welsh language, music, literature, and history through concerts, hymn-singing, lectures, and social events. 

St. David’s Day, celebrated annually on or around March 1st, offers another powerful expression of Welsh identity in the U.S. Among the most historic organisers is the St. David’s Society of the State of New York, founded in 1801 and formally established in 1835. As New York’s oldest Welsh society, it remains deeply active today. Each year, the Society hosts an elegant St. David’s Day celebration, featuring traditional Welsh food and musical performances.

These celebrations serve as living reminders that Welsh culture is not only preserved in the USA, but it is actively celebrated and passed on to new generations.

MODERN DAY WELSH CONNECTIONS

Today, the United States is home to a vibrant network of Welsh diaspora communities, supported by dozens of active cultural and social groups. The oldest of these, the Welsh Society of Philadelphia - founded in the 1700s - continues to celebrate and preserve Welsh heritage more than two centuries later. 

At the heart of strengthening these Welsh/US ties is our own global hub, GlobalWelsh USA, led by dynamic businesswoman and proud member of the Welsh diaspora, Jan Griffiths, backed by a team of successful businesspeople who want to support Welsh people and businesses, locally, globally and back home in Wales. Through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and networking, Jan and the team are building a pan-USA support network to forge new ties and opportunities for Wales.

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