Greenville

Italian Americans have a rich history in Greenville, Mississippi, dating back to the early 20th century. They were originally brought over as workers for the Delta’s agricultural system, with some families later saving money to buy their own land. The harsh conditions of the system were exposed by a 1907 investigation by the US Justice Department, leading to changes in the treatment of Italian workers. Another group of Italians, primarily from Sicily, settled in towns and established businesses such as grocery stores, fruit stands, and restaurants. This gave them better access to education, allowing their children to enter professions earlier than their counterparts from central Italy. Today, Greenville still boasts a thriving Italian American community, with many descendants of those original settlers running successful businesses that have been passed down through the generations.