"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." 

Inscription on the Statue of Liberty

Many Italians came to the United States in the late 1800's and early 1900's searching for a better life.  They were attracted to the Red River Valley because of the available employment through the railroad.  Recruiting stations were set up in Italy and at the main ports of entry by the railroads to draw immigrants willing to work.   

These Italian families moved with the railroad and first settled in an area near West Fargo, North Dakota.  When the Northern Pacific Railroad relocated its coal docks and yards to Dilworth, Minnesota, the Italians moved as well.  They settled into an area south of the railroad tracks which became known as "Little Italy".   

Dilworth was mainly known for the employment opportunities that were available on the railroad. Not many know how influential one Italian family from the south side of the tracks has been on the Red River Valley.  The Olivieri family has greatly contributed to the local beauty industry.   

         This website was researched and developed by MSUM students            Kristi (Varriano) Hilton and Beth Splonskowski during spring semester 2004.