The Great Migration is a web series of short films about key moments in Ulster-Scots history. In this episode, the focus is on the arrival of the Ulster-Scots in North America.
This episode examines the journey and challenges faced by Ulster Scots as they migrated to America in the early 18th century, highlighting their contributions to the development of New England. Rejected by Puritan Boston as 'Irish', the Ulster Scots journeyed up the Merrimack River, enduring harsh winters and initial hardships before establishing roots in what would become significant communities in New England.
The narrative also touches on the 1691 Massachusetts Bay Charter, which granted limited religious freedoms while excluding Catholics, and its implications for the Puritan state. The Ulster Scots’ determination, resourcefulness, and skillsets played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles, securing land ownership, and contributing to the early colonial economy and governance