POLAND - A MISSING COUNTRY

 

Poland was once a European power with a great military and political history. 

 

However, things deteriorated through the many years as its neighbors grew more and more powerful. Eventually by 1795, Poland was erased from the map and its territory divided between Prussia, Austria and Russia.

 

Although there would be many skirmishes and battles, Poland would not return on the map until after World War I. 

 

Throughout the years of foreign occupation, times were not good for the Polish people.  One goal of a conquering power was to eliminate the Polish identity altogether. Among other things, the Polish language was not permitted to be spoken in public.

 

Poles had come to America in the past but now things increased a great deal.

 

In fact, the first Polish people in America were in the Virginia colonies in the early 1600's. Poles played a significant role in the development of the Jamestown area and were highly respected by the English settlers.

 

Of course, many more Poles would immigrate to America through the years and the first permanent settlement would be in Texas.

 

While Poles continued to immigrate to the U.S. East Coast and other areas, it would not be until the 1870's and 1880's that a significant number of Polish immigrants would reach Nebraska and other Great Plains states.

 

During the years, many Poles were actively engaged in farming and agriculture and were recruited to come to America and settle in parts of Nebraska and other Plains states due to its perceived rich soil.

 

One initial goal was to set up Polish colonies in the central Nebraska farming communities. However, when many immigrants reached the Omaha area they decided to pursue jobs in the available industries such as the railroad and packing houses.

 

Eventually Polish settlements would be achieved not only in Nebraska but would also extend to both North Dakota and Minnesota as well.

 

Today many of these same areas still celebrate their Polish heritage with interesting festivals.