Video: How the Choctaw Nation began its friendship with the Irish

Many towns in the Southeastern United States sent shiploads of non-perishable foods to the starving Irish during the Great Potato Famine,

During the Great Potato Famine, of all the coastal cities in the United States, only Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC allowed ships, carrying Irish refugees to dock. As a result, both cities today have large Irish American populations and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a big way.

The State of Georgia went a step further, by placing hiring agents on the docks in Savannah. Irish men and women were offered instant jobs and housing with the state-owned railroad system, which was then under construction.

Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone With the Wind,” originally began her landmark book to honor her Irish ancestors, who were shown hospitality and compassion by the people of Savanah, when they stepped off the ship, during the Great Potato Famine.

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