Did you know that today is National Alfredo Day? In just two more days, on February 9, it’s National Pizza Day. Furthermore, February 13 is National Tortellini Day, which doubles as National Italian Food Day. That’s a lot of Italian to cram into just a few days! But given the large number of residents throughout the Mid-Atlantic who are proud of their Italian heritage, that’s perfectly fine—and “tasteful” both literally and figuratively.
There are many different “Little Italy” neighborhoods throughout North America, many of which are concentrated in major cities. Baltimore, Maryland, is no exception and is, in fact, home to one of the best demonstrations of a still-thriving, multi-generational Italian community in the region. That’s why this Flashback Friday Feature is a focus on the history, heritage, and enduring legacy of Baltimore’s very own Little Italy neighborhood.
Immigration Trends
The first large influx of Italian immigrants came from Genoa and arrived in Baltimore between the 1840s and 1850s. Eventually, immigrants from Naples, Abruzzo, Cefalù, and Palermo were drawn to the area as well, having arrived via Ellis Island, New York, and then venturing to Baltimore by train.
Italian immigrants to the Baltimore scene chose to settle in areas throughout the southeastern part of the city. This was an area that was already densely populated by other immigrant groups and ethnicities. The population included European Jews, Germans, and Irish emigrants, among many others. Yet, the increasing surplus of Italians soon started to outpace them all, and by the early 20th century, the community emerged into a predominantly Italian one—a “little Italy” based in Baltimore, so to speak.
Establishing “The Neighborhood”
The heart of Baltimore’s Little Italy, affectionately known as “the neighborhood,” primarily comprises six blocks, spanning north to Pratt Street and south towards the Inner Harbor. Other streets throughout the city with heavy Italian concentrations include Lexington, Belair-Edison, Lombard, and Cross.
Throughout the decades, the increasing Italian identity only grew. By 1940, nearly 8,000 Italians had settled in Baltimore. It is estimated that 18,000 residents in the city alone were either Italian-born or were of Italian descent in the Baltimore area.
The establishment of St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church came about in 1881 and is still in operation today. The recently closed Our Lady of Pompei was founded later in 1923.
In addition to two houses of worship in the vicinity came the emergence of numerous Italian-run businesses, including several family-owned and operated authentic restaurants still in existence today. Click here to read about some of them.
Other notable claims to fame that have come to be associated with Baltimore’s Little Italy include the presence of various bocce courts, annual outdoor summer film festivals (in which movies are projected onto a wall at the intersection of High and Stiles Streets), and the Pandola Learning Center, which previously served as the former St. Leo School, yet closed back in 1980. The Center currently provides classes to children and adults alike. Concentrations include Italian language lessons and cultural/culinary instruction.
Little Italy Today
According to current census data, Baltimore is home to somewhere between 16,000 and 17,000 residents claiming Italian-American heritage. The strong, enduring identity of those throughout the Little Italy scene remains proud and heavily preserved—a presence that continues to prevail even among the newer, younger generations. Families remain closely knit, and friendships and community fellowship are forever at an all-time high.
But Baltimore isn’t the only Little Italy of great acclaim within the Mid-Atlantic. Pennsylvania has quite a few as well. The city of Philadelphia alone is home to the second-largest Italian-American population in the United States and even comprises multiple Little Italys. Other Little Italy locations in the state can be found in Bloomfield, Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Erie, and Roseto. Wilmington, Delaware, is also the site of a noted Little Italy location of renown. You’ll find two in West Virginia. One is in Clay County, and the other is based in Randolph County.
Whether you’re of Italian heritage yourself or you enjoy savoring the heritage, history, and food of the Italian people, I encourage you to get out and get exploring whichever local Little Italy is most convenient to you.