Famous Baltimore Irish Americans

When the Great Potato Famine brought hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants to America in the mid-19th century, Baltimore rapidly became the third most common point of entry for European immigrants, behind New York and Boston, due to ample work opportunities on the railroads.  With the sudden influx of Irish immigrants to the southwestern part of Baltimore, the city of Baltimore quickly became one of the great Irish American cities.

Not surprisingly, many famous Irish Americans originated from Baltimore or spent many important years in the city.  The following is a list of famous Irish Americans from Baltimore.

Also See:

Famous New York Irish Americans
Famous Boston Irish Americans
Famous Chicago Irish Americans
Famous Philadelphia Irish Americans

Art Donovan | Defensive tackle who played primarily for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968

Charles Carroll | Delegate to the Continental Congress and United States Senator from Maryland who was the only Catholic signatory of the Declaration of Independence

Francis Russell O'Hara | Writer, poet and art critic who was a member of the New York School of poetry

George G. Meade

George Gordon Meade | Union General during the American Civil War who defeated Confederate General Robert E Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863

James Gibbons | Archbishop of Baltimore who became the second American to be elected a cardinal

John Carroll | Founder of Georgetown University and the first Roman Catholic bishop and archbishop in the United States

Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen | Emmy Award-winning film and television actress who starred on Boston and Modern Family

Martin O'Malley | Politician who served as Mayor of Baltimore and 61st Governor of Maryland

Michael Phelps | Olympic champion swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics in 2008

Reddy Mack | Professional baseball player in the late 19^th century who played second base with the Baltimore Orioles

Tom Clancy

Tom Clancy | Novelist who wrote many bestselling novels, including The Hunt for Red October and Clear and Present Danger

Tori Amos | Grammy Award-winning pianist, singer-songwriter and composer of such hits as "Cornflake Girl" and "A Sorta Fairytale"

William Henry Keeler | Archbishop of Baltimore who became Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church

Also read:

The Remarkable Life of Kitty McInerney:  How a Poor Irish Immigrant Raised 17 Children in Great Depression New York