Cape Verdeans in America: Our Story.

Immigration and acculturation of Cape Verdeans in the United States from the mid-19th century to the present are discussed. Emphasis is on the period prior to 1922, at which time the United States Congress enacted new laws restricting the immigration of people of color. The Cape Verde islands are located in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. Because of their location, they served as a safe harbor to generations of slavers, pirates, smugglers, and sailors. The document is presented in four chapters. Chapter I discusses the historic link between the Cape Verde islands and New England. Chapter II examines the practice of hiring Cape Verdeans as crew members for New England's whaling ships from the period before the American Revolution to the latter half of the 19th century. Chapter III discusses the Cape Verdean-American packet trade during the 1800s and the settlement of Cape Verdean seamen in New England towns. Chapter IV characterizes experiences of Cape Verdeans in America during the period 1900-24. Topics discussed include processes of immigration to the United States, employment, income, and living conditions. Numerous photographs are incorporated into the text. (DB)