Cultures

Unit 1 - Community Diversity

Contributions of Cultures in our Community

German

Scottish

The Scottish came to Grand Island in small numbers but they were very proud of their heritage. The Scottish had many celebrations about the mother country such as St. Andrew's Day and Robert Burns Birthday. Families in Scottish culture are called Clans.

Greek

A 1906 newspaper reports that about 100 Greek laborers for the Union Pacific had come to live in the area. Their families joined them. Many of them were also employed at local bakeries. Soon the Greeks opened several restaurants in Grand Island.

African American

A few African American people came to Grand Island. Many of the men had fought in the Civil War and were called Buffalo Soldiers. They did not have any distinct religions, languages, holiday or traditions. They blended into the American culture except that all of their churches and clubs were separate from the white people who lived here because they came before Martin Luther King, Jr.

Laotian

Many Laotian people came to Grand Island because of war and changing governments in their own country.

Vietnamese

Chinese

Mexican