Overseas emigration

An Unsustainable Demographic Load and the Crisis of the Primary Sector

In the nineteenth century, the Tigullio area was the scene of a massive exodus overseas, fueled by multiple causes. The high demographic load made the subsistence of local families difficult. Furthermore, the arrival of products from other regions at much lower prices, especially wine and oil, undermined the competitiveness of local producers.

Industrialization and the End of Rural Crafts

Industrialization led to the end of rural home textile craftsmanship, depriving many families of a crucial source of income. The heavy taxation further aggravated the economic situation, while the recurring natural disasters only worsened living conditions.

Reluctance to Military Service and the Crisis of the Slate Industry

The reluctance of young people to complete military service and the crisis in slate mining added to the already numerous causes that pushed people to seek their fortune elsewhere. These factors contributed to creating a climate of insecurity and uncertainty which pushed more and more people to emigrate.

Fascination of the “California Myth” and the Gold Rush

In 1849, the discovery of very rich gold deposits in California ignited the “California myth”. The gold rush represented an irresistible temptation, and many farmers in our areas, including those in the Chiavari district, were attracted by this prospect.

The First Waves of Emigration

Already in the period 1840-1850, there were cases of early emigration from Cogorno to Argentina. This trend reached its peak between 1886 and 1889, a period during which many emigrants headed towards South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Only later did a significant migratory flow to the United States occur, especially to California.

The Exodus to the United States: A Data Analysis

The analysis of passports issued between 1901 and 1907, a period of strong exodus in Liguria, reveals that the preferred nation of the majority of emigrants was the United States (40-42%), surpassing Argentina (37%) , an already consolidated destination, especially in the La Plata area.

The main destination locations

In the United States, the main destination locations were Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Interestingly, Cogorno was the only municipality among those examined to register a small percentage of passports for Canada.

The Post-World War II Exodus

A significant exodus also occurred after the Second World War. About a hundred people left the municipalities of Tigullio, often called by relatives or friends already settled abroad, heading mainly towards South America.

The Family and Social Dynamics of Emigration

Often, several members of the same family group left together for the Americas. It was also common among emigrants to marry fellow countrymen or return home to marry a fellow villager to then bring to America. These dynamics contributed to maintaining strong ties with the land of origin, creating support networks that facilitated integration in the new countries.

The Indelible Imprint of Emigration

Emigration from the Tigullio area has left an indelible mark on local history. The stories of those who left are testimonies of courage, hope and determination. This phenomenon shaped the cultural and social identity of communities, creating transoceanic bonds that endure to this day.

Sources

Bruschi R., Lebboroni S., “Ritratto di Cogorno. L’antico feudo dei Conti Fieschi attraverso le sue memorie storiche”, Genova, De Ferrari Editore, 2000

Porcella M., “La fatica e la Merica”, Genova, Sagep, 1986

Trekking and cycling routes that may interest you

Itineraries of different durations and suitable for every taste and level of preparation, to discover the most beautiful and evocative places and panoramas of the Ligurian Tigullio.