History Has Always Been on the Move

Many of American history's most well-known historical figures weren't actually born here. Throughout history, immigrants have moved from country to country, shaping the world in lasting ways that we still talk about today. Here are just 20 immigrant stories that you might not have heard of before.

John Trumbull on Wikimedia

1. Albert Einstein

One of the most famous men in all of history was an immigrant born in Germany, who later became known as an iconic historical figure in American history. You probably know Albert Einstein best for his theory of relativity, but his public voice against fascism and his support for civil rights also made him an important moral figure.

Photograph by Orren Jack Turner, Princeton, N.J. Modified with Photoshop by PM_Poon and later by Dantadd. on Wikimedia

2. Alexander Hamilton

You might've heard of this man from the musical, but did you know Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean and immigrated to what would become the United States when he was just a young man? He quickly became known for his intelligence, ambition, and ability to write with remarkable force, becoming one of the Founding Fathers who helped shape the American financial system, also serving as the first secretary of the treasury. 

Henry Raeburn on Wikimedia

3. Nikola Tesla

Born in what is now known as Croatia, Nikola Tesla, one of the most inventive minds in history, immigrated to the United States and became forever remembered in every history book. His work with alternating current helped transform how electricity could be generated and delivered across long distances. 

Napoleon Sarony on Wikimedia

4. Marie Curie

Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland before eventually moving to France to continue her education which would change the world. It was in Paris that she became a pioneering scientist whose research on radioactivity forever changed chemistry, physics, and medicine, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She remains the only person to win the esteemed award in two different scientific fields. 

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5. Joseph Pulitzer

Born in Hungary, Joseph Pulitzer immigrated to the United States in 1864 when he was still a young man. He became an iconic figure in the journalism field, known for shaping modern newspapers and supporting investigative reporting. Today, his name is still attached to the Pulitzer Prizes, which honor excellence in writing, reporting, music, and the arts.

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6. Charlie Chaplin

Anyone who loves film or comedy knows who Charlie Chaplin is. Though he was born in England, he moved to the U.S. as a young performer and became the most recognizable figure in early film. His skill in shaping cinema with humor and physical movement forever deeply changed modern comedy.

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7. Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin immigrated to the United States with his family early on as a child, but he was born in the Russian Empire. Growing up in New York, he would become one of the greatest songwriters in American history, producing iconic songs such as "God Bless America" and "White Christmas." 

Al Aumuller, World Telegram staff photographer on Wikimedia

8. Chien-Shiung Wu

Chien-Shiung Wu moved to America from China for her graduate study. Here, she became one of the most important experimental physicists of the 20th century and made major contributions to nuclear physics. Her scientific legacy is widely respected, and she’s often remembered as a brilliant researcher who deserved even more recognition.

Smithsonian Institution on Wikimedia

9. Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss was born in Bavaria and immigrated to the United States during the 19th century. During the California Gold Rush, he built a business supplying miners with goods, allowing his company to eventually become famous for blue jeans. Today, it's one of the most recognizable clothing items around the world!

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10. Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi moved to America from Italy, becoming one of the most important physicists of the 20th century. He played a central role not just in developing the first controlled nuclear chain reaction, but also had heavy influence in wartime research and the development of nuclear science.

Department of Energy-Office of Public Affairs, restored by Yann on Wikimedia

11. Mother Cabrini

More often known as Mother Cabrini, Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in Italy, but immigrated to the U.S. as a Catholic missionary. Her entire life was dedicated to helping other immigrants. She founded schools, hospitals, and charitable instituitions that gave back to the people in practical, immediate ways.

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12. W. E. B. Du Bois

W. E. B. Du Bois was born in the United States, but later in life he immigrated to Ghana, where he became a citizen. Before making this life-changing move, he was already an important civil rights leader, scholar, and writer, but his work continued to challenge racism, promote Pan-Africanism, and shape discussions on equality and justice. 

James E. Purdy / Adam Cuerden on Wikimedia

13. Arturo Toscanini

Arturo Toscanini was born in Italy and later became one of the most celebrated conductors in all of America. His legacy consists of him having led major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. His immigrant career helped shape American classical music during the 20th century.

Bain Collection on Wikimedia

14. Bob Hope

Born in England, Bob Hope moved with his family to the United States when he was very young. Growing up here in the West, he became an iconic entertainer, with his career spanning different fields like vaudeville, radio, film, television, and more. It's safe to say he certainly charmed his way to the top with his steady presence!

Trikosko, Marion S. on Wikimedia

15. I. M. Pei

Coming all the way from China, I.M. Pei moved to the United States to study architecture, going on to become one of the world's most respected architects. His designs were impeccable, with his projects including the glass pyramid at the Louvre and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. 

Bernard Gotfryd on Wikimedia

16. John Muir

Moving to the United States as a child from Scotland, John Muir grew up to become one of America's most influential naturalists and conservation advocates. Muir co-founded the Sierra Club and wrote passionately about wilderness in a way that brought nature preservation to the forefront. 

Francis M. Fritz on Wikimedia

17. Camille Pissarro

Camille Pissarro was born on the island of St. Thomas, but moved to France where he became a major Impressionist painter. He worked closely with big names such as Monet, Cézanne, and Renoir, all while developing his own gentle but disciplined approach. Pissarro was the only artist to exhibit in all eight Impressionist exhibitions in Paris, a truly wondrous feat. 

Camille Pissarro on Wikimedia

18. Emma Goldman

Born under the Russian empire but moving to the United States as a teen, Emma Goldman is remembered as one of the most famous anarchist writers, speakers, and activists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She argued for a plethora of subjects including free speech, workers’ rights, women’s rights, and political dissent.

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19. Jacob Riis

Becoming a famous journalist and photographer who documented poverty and unsafe housing in New York City, Jacob Riis was born in Denmark but immigrated to the U.S. in the 19th century. His book, How the Other Half Lives, pushed many readers to confront uncomfortable conditions they might otherwise have ignored. 

Pirie MacDonald on Wikimedia

20. An Wang

Coming all the way to the United States from China, An Wang is remembered for his innovation and impact on early computer history. He became an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who founded Wang Laboratories, an important computer company in the decades before personal computers became common. 

Unknown, dedicated to Bettmann Archive on Wikimedia