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Immigrating to America
Hello, my name is Maria Russo. I immigrated to America because there was a drought in Italy. This drought ruined my family's farm, and we were forced to sell our land. My mom wanted me to have a good life, out of poverty, so she sent me to America for a fresh start. Another reason I came to America was industrialization. Many women were getting jobs from the new industries, so I was hoping I could too. -
Immigrating to America (2)
As a result of immigrating to America, I found a safe place to live, I got a low-paying job, and I escaped drought and poverty. -
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Timespan of Journey to America
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The Boarding House
Nights spent sleeping on the street were dangerous and frightening. Then I found a kind woman who boards a couple girls at a time for a small price. She owns a large house with plenty of extra rooms. The boarding house resulted in a warm bed, three meals a day, and a roof to sleep under. Thanks to the boarding house, I am safe and off the streets during the night. I share a room with a shy Irish girl around my age, but we each get our own beds. -
Discrimination and a Job
As I searched for work, I faced a lot of discrimination. People did not want to hire young Italian girl. Now I was desperate. I had been searching for two months, and was running out of rent money. One day when I had been out for hours looking for work, a man approached me, asking if I wanted to work in his factory. I immediatly said yes, not asking about the working conditions. I have to work long hours in a cramped space for little pay, but there was no other option. -
Heading West with the Railroad
Today I got a job with the railroad! I finally had a chance to use the Homestead Act to my benefit. I had been saving up to travel West for years so that I could get land from the Homestead Act. This amazing oppurtunity will result in land, money, and an opportunity to travel to the west. As I packed, my roomate tearfully bid me goodbye. When I finished packing, I immediately headed to the train, where I was to meet my new co-workers and head west. -
My First Try
On March 30, 1889, I participated in a run for land. I had been saving up supplies for a while and I felt confident that I would get land. I was all mounted and prepared when the gunshot signaling the start rang in the air. Taking me by surprise, a large wagon barreled by me, scaring my horse and causing it to knock me off. When I fell, I was nearly stampeded to death. I hobbled back to the camp, nursing a sprained wrist. My first run for land did not end well, but I was not going to give up. -
Land!
I tried again for land, and it was a major success! As I was riding in my second land race, I came across a side path, which I took. It led me to a large, unclaimed piece of land. The land had grass, a stream, and trees-it was perfect!Now that I got my land, I can start a farm, start a family, and begin to make a steady income. I am excited for the future, and hope that my new land prospers.
