During the Irish famine from 1845 to 1852, millions died both on and off the island. Some 85,000 perished aboard overcrowded “famine ships” bound for the US.
Ireland’s population still hasn’t recovered; the Irish diaspora outnumbers the island’s population 4 times over.
In 1847, the Choctaw Nation donated $170 — $5,000 in today’s money — to Ireland.
This show of generosity and solidarity was especially poignant, as the Choctaw Nation had been forced to leave their homes and relocate along the Trail of Tears.
The Kindred Spirits monument commemorates the resilience of the two nations, as well as their unique friendship.