20 Cities Shaped by the Great Migration

Between 1916 and 1970, over six million African Americans journeyed out of the rural Southern United States to the urban North and West, altering the demographic landscapes of numerous American cities.  In this exploration, we delve into the top 20 cities that were profoundly transformed by the Great Migration, each telling its own story of change. 

1. New York City, New York:

Over 1.5 million. The city saw significant arrivals especially during the 1920s to the 1940s. Harlem became a cultural epicenter during this time.

2. Chicago, Illinois:

Approximately 500,000. The peak period of migration was from the 1910s through the 1960s, with many coming from the Mississippi Delta region.

3. Detroit, Michigan:

About 400,000. The influx was most notable from the 1920s to the 1950s, driven by the booming auto industry.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Roughly 250,000. The city saw a significant increase in population primarily from the 1920s to the 1960s.

5. Los Angeles, California:

Estimated 200,000. The migration peaked from the 1940s to the 1960s, with many drawn by the defense industry during and after World War II.

6. Cleveland, Ohio:

Around 150,000. The city experienced its most significant growth from the 1920s to the 1950s.

7. Baltimore, Maryland:

Over 100,000. The peak period was from the 1920s to the 1950s, largely due to opportunities in the city's steel industry.

8. St. Louis, Missouri:

Approximately 100,000. The migration peaked from the 1910s to the 1950s, with St. Louis serving as a gateway to the western United States.

9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

Close to 100,000. The city's steel mills attracted many between the 1910s and the 1950s.

10. Indianapolis, Indiana:

About 80,000. The migration was most prominent from the 1920s to the 1960s, with numerous industrial job opportunities.

11. Washington D.C.:

Significant numbers, particularly in the 1930s-1940s.

12. Oakland, California:

Large influx in the 1940s due to war-related industries.

13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

Notable growth in the 1950s-1960s.

14. Cincinnati, Ohio:

Steady migration, particularly in the 1920s-1950s.

15. Kansas City, Missouri:

A major hub in the 1920s-1950s.

16. Memphis, Tennessee:

Significant migration, especially in the 1940s-1960s.

17. Atlanta, Georgia:

Became a major destination in the post-1960s era.

18. Houston, Texas:

Saw a significant increase in the mid-20th century.

19. New Orleans, Louisiana:

A major draw in the 1910s-1940s.

20. Gary, Indiana:

Became a migration destination in the 1930s-1950s due to steel mills.