Exploring the Irish Colony in the Amazon from 1612
Written by Ben Kesp Tobacco Plantation Print - Amazon Hearing that the Irish established an overseas colony is not a common occurrence, but there is historical evidence that two brothers, set up colonial settlement in the Amazon region from 1612 to 1632. Originally, the Irish ventures, begun in partnership with the English ( Voyages in Search of a North West Passage 1741-1747 ), but they very quickly developed into a quite distinct initiative. It is recorded as being the earliest example of independent Irish colonial project in the New World. By the early 1620s the Irish had become well known for their experience of the river and their expertise in Indian languages, proving far more efficient in their approach to exploiting Amazonia than the English. Irish brothers, Philip and James Purcell, from Co. Tipperary, began what would be a profitable colony, at the mouth of the Amazon River, trading in tobacco, dyes, and hardwood. They were not alone in this endeavour and were joined by the E...
