Discovering Omagh: Unveiling the Treasures of Ulster in 15 Words

Exploring Ulster: A Journey through History and Heritage

Ulster, with its rugged coastlines, industrial cities, rural landscapes, and historic castles, offers a wealth of places to see and explore. For centuries, the comings and goings of folk between Ulster and Scotland have left their mark on the landscape and people. In this short series, Lolly Spence takes us on a tour of some of the most stunning visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, many of which are steeped in Ulster Scots history.

Ulster American Folk Park: A Glimpse into the Past

Located approximately 120 kilometers west of Belfast, near the market town of Omagh, the Ulster American Folk Park is a center that tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America during the 18th century. During this time, immigration was at its height, with people leaving from across Ireland, including those with Ulster Scots heritage.

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The Ulster American Folk Park showcases buildings and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, taking visitors on a journey back in time. From the old world of Ulster to the new world on the American frontier, this park offers an opportunity to experience what life was like for over a quarter of a million people who left Ulster in the early 18th century.

As visitors walk along pathways, they can peek inside original, thatched stone cottages dating back to the 1700s. Many of the immigrants were descendants of the original Scottish Presbyterians who arrived during the plantation of Ulster in the early 1600s. These settlers built single-story stone cottages with traditional thatched Irish roofs.

A Step into the Past: The Ulster American Folk Park Experience

The Ulster American Folk Park offers a unique experience through its cobbled streets, lined with authentic shops and buildings typical of Ulster towns in the 19th century. At the end of The Main Street stands a replica of a ship that would have brought Ulster Scots families to the new world.

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The journey across the Atlantic on these wooden sailing ships was frequently hazardous. Passengers faced low ceilings, overcrowded berths, poor sanitation, lack of food and fresh drinking water, and treacherous storms. However, for those who made it to America, a new world awaited them.

Upon arrival in America, settlers would have to gather provisions and begin their new lives. Stores like the General Merchant Store in the Ulster American Folk Park provided them with essential supplies. Here, they would have encountered new seeds, farming implements, and foodstuffs that were unfamiliar to them. The post office was also an essential place for them to send letters back home to let their families know they had arrived safely.

From Immigrant to Industrialist: Thomas Andrew Mellon

One of the success stories of Ulster Scots immigrants is that of Thomas Andrew Mellon. He left Ulster at the age of five in 1818 and went on to become one of the most successful philanthropic industrialists of America. He invested in coal and real estate, and the Mellon family became one of the wealthiest in the country.

A replica of the Mellon family home in Pennsylvania, a beautiful log farmhouse, stands within the Ulster American Folk Park. Thomas Mellon's story is just one example of the many Ulster Scots families who achieved success in America. In fact, a quarter of the American presidents have Ulster Scots extraction.

The Mellon Center: Exploring Ulster Scots Connections

The Ulster American Folk Park also houses the Mellon Center for Migration Studies, a specialist immigration resource center. For over 40 years, the center has amassed a marvelous archive of resources related to Irish migration all over the world. It offers a range of resources, both online and in-person, for those interested in exploring their Ulster Scots connections.

Visitors can access the library, teaching and research program, and the Irish immigration database at the Mellon Center. The center provides a fascinating insight into the stories and experiences of those who left Ulster for a new life elsewhere.

Conclusion

Exploring Ulster is a journey through history and heritage. The Ulster American Folk Park offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the lives of those who left Ulster for America. From the thatched stone cottages to the replica ship and the stories of successful immigrants like Thomas Andrew Mellon, this park brings to life the rich history of the Ulster Scots. Whether you have Ulster Scots ancestry or simply have an interest in history, a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park will provide a captivating experience.

Related video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZOj7qyCRF0&pp=ygUTdmlzaXQgT21hZ2gsIFVsc3Rlcg%3D%3D

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Discover the enchanting town of Omagh, where you can embark on exciting excursions. Immerse yourself in the rich history at the Ulster American Folk Park, explore the stunning Gortin Glen Forest Park, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Strule River. Omagh has something for everyone!

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