Scottish Immigration to the United States: Timeline

The first major wave followed the 1745 Jacobite rising, when many Scots fled to the American colonies. Immigration continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with sizable communities in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Boston by the mid‑1800s. Scots contributed skills in infrastructure, education, ministry, and business, and enriched American culture.

Key Dates

• 1745 – Jacobite rising spurs emigration.
• 1776 – Scots prominent in American Revolution.
• 1846‑48 – Irish potato famine indirectly increases Scottish immigration.
• 1880‑90 – Economic hardship in Scotland drives another wave.
• 1920s – U.S. immigration law changes slow Scottish arrivals.

Today, about 8 million Americans claim Scottish descent.