19th Century Emigration to the North Americas
At the Port
The Quays, Londonderry, c. 1897. By this date the port of Derry was no longer such a popular point of departure for emigrants.
Those emigrants who did make it to the port discovered that their problems were only just beginning. Not only were emigrants checked to make sure they had the proper clothing supply but by 1851, each passenger also had to undergo a medical examination before being allowed on board.
Favoured ports of exit from Ireland were Londonderry, Larne, Carrickfergus, Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Intending emigrants did not necessarily travel to the nearest port: passage rates varied considerably and a longer journey overland could result in a significant saving. Advertisements peppered about the quayside proclaimed the 'cheapest rates available anywhere!' and usually boasted of the amenities available on board. While all the ships were advertised as the 'fastest', the 'most comfortable' or the 'most luxurious', most of them were little better than tubs.
Example of a first class passage ticket issued in 1887 to Vere Foster.
The steamer, Bothnia, was bound for New York.
The steamer, Bothnia, was bound for New York.
Having selected ship to travel in, passengers frequently had to find lodgings until it was time to go aboard. Nowadays we expect our transport services to run to a strict timetable but during the days of sailing ships, vessels were 'expected any day now' and, if the wind was against them, they could be up to three weeks late entering harbour. And once on board, awaiting the 'next fair wind' could easily eat into the emigrant's meagre store of provisions and money.
