Scot Irish in the Conococheague (Mercersburg)

By JW Ross

In the 1600's land clearances in Scotland and the chance of a better life lead to a vast migration from Scotland, especially the lowlands, to Ireland which was a short boat ride away. This migration was aided by similar land clearances in Ireland by ruthless London-based companies.

But by the 1700's, the several hundred thousand Scots in Northern Ireland were becoming increasingly impatient with the endless fighting, land clearances, and large increases in their rental amounts. The entire feudal system, a remnant of the Dark Ages was under attack, in both Ireland and Scotland, serfs, in addition to working the land, were required to be armed and serve their "lords" when the "castle" was attacked.
This lead to constant battles, deaths, and destitution while the men were off fighting. This system did not sit well with the Ulster Scots who were not traditionally members of a clan, like Scottish highlanders. The Scot Irish as they were also known were independent minded, their life centered around their religion and their parish, they chaffed under all forms of government and taxation. Disillusioned by generations of turmoil, they were ready to move on and thus began the flood to America.

Unwanted, and perhaps unsuited for the life in cities like Philadelphia, the Scot Irish migrated to, what was then, the far reaches of the American frontier . . the Conococheague.