Syracuse is known for its once thriving salt industry, and the first Irish immigrants contributed considerably to what was later dubbed the Salt City. 

The woodwind ring of bagpipes in the air are a comforting sound, often marking the start of the Saint Patrick's Day parade. However in the Salt City, you don't have to wait for the parade to hear the pipes or to see the green. 

In fact, Syracuse wouldn't be the city we know without Irish culture.

"No, it definitely wouldn't be the city that it is. I mean we have Tipperary Hill, we have Coleman's, we have Kitty Hoynes, we have the Irish Festival— without that I don't think Syracuse is as much fun of a place as it is," said Onondaga Historical Association Executive Director, Gregg Tripoli.

The bridges we drive on, the streets we live on, and the Erie Canal which we admire — all infrastructure built by the hands of the first Irish immigrants.

"The Erie Canal was what was happening at that time so a lot of Irishmen moved here because of work," said Tripoli.

Take a drive through Tipperary Hill in Syracuse and you're bound to see green everywhere— whether it's on the homes, on the memorials or on the top of traffic lights. That's because it's a neighborhood well known for its Irish heritage considering it's where the community first settled.

"It was common for ethnic groups when they came here from other countries to congergate," said Tripoli.

Whether or not you're irish, the culture is something to celebrate, and there are plenty of chances at the Saint Patrick's Day parade and Irish Festival.