Emigrants Leaving Europe by Way of Rotterdam, 1908
Rotterdam Hotel for Emigrants of the N.A.S.M. (Holland-America Line), 1908. GGA Image ID # 21ed8ee85b
As will be readily understood, emigration is most intimately connected with the economic state of European countries, such as widespread poverty, political instability, and lack of employment opportunities, and the nations to which the emigrants are going.
Before the turning point of 1908, emigrants, departing from Rotterdam, were predominantly headed for the shores of North America.
The subsequent figures will provide a comprehensive view of the emigration patterns over the past 14 years, culminating in the pivotal year of 1906.
Emigrants Leaving Europe via Rotterdam
| Years | Number of emigrants who took ship at Rotterdam | Number of those that passed through Rotterdam, but took ship elsewhere | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 | 7,860 | 5,173 | 13,033 |
| 1895 | 9,931 | 4,212 | 14,143 |
| 1896 | 9,706 | 1,375 | 11,063 |
| 1897 | 5,972 | 1,033 | 7,005 |
| 1898 | 10,177 | 2,382 | 12,559 |
| 1899 | 13,985 | 4,977 | 18,962 |
| 1900 | 22,121 | 11,260 | 33,381 |
| 1901 | 22,300 | 10,605 | 32,905 |
| 1902 | 28,304 | 17,231 | 45,535 |
| 1903 | 32,657 | 20,173 | 52,835 |
| 1904 | 26,650 | 22,366 | 49,016 |
| 1905 | 40,836 | 14,738 | 55,574 |
| 1906 | 42,511 | 6,410 | 48,921 |
A board of control, appointed by H.M. the Queen, regularly supervises both the lodging houses where these poor people have to stay and the vessels that are to carry them. Royal Decree has laid down definite rules for their lodgings on board ship. The board sees to it that these rules are carried out.
The Holland-America Line carries the more significant part of these emigrants.
Since 1893, this Company has had a hotel for emigrants in the immediate neighborhood of its quay, where a thousand persons can find shelter.
This excellent hotel, which meets the most exacting requirements of modern hygiene, has some barracks connected with it, where persons suffering from infectious diseases can be isolated and emigrants coming from infected countries can be kept in quarantine for some time.
The vast flow of Jewish emigrants from Romania and South Russia has given the Montefiore society, which tries to alleviate the sufferings of Jewish fugitives, an occasion to build a shelter for these emigrants in this town. The Municipality has allowed the Society to use a house belonging to them free of charge.
In recent years, scarcely 5% of the emigrants are Dutch. In 1890, this percentage amounted to 20%.
Large Dutch Fmily Lines Up at Ellis Island. nd, circa Early 1900s. National Park Service # 646085. GGA Image ID # 1490593c8b
Chapter 30, Emigrants, The Port of Rotterdam by Hendrik Albert van Ysselsteyn, C.E., Deputy-Director of the Department of Works at Rotterdam, Third Edition, 1908, Printed in Rotterdam by Nijgh & van Ditmar's Publishing Co., Pages 197-198.
Emigrants Leaving Europe via Rotterdam, 1908
A Key Resource for Immigration History
For teachers, students, genealogists, family historians, and researchers, this article is a crucial resource for understanding European emigration through Rotterdam—one of the most important departure ports for immigrants traveling to North America. The article provides detailed statistics, historical insights, and first-hand accounts of the migration process, making it an essential read for those studying immigration patterns, family heritage, and transatlantic voyages.
Why You Should Review This Article
- Historical Emigration Trends (1894-1906) – A comprehensive statistical breakdown of emigrants leaving Rotterdam for America and other destinations, offering valuable data for historical research.
- Role of the Holland-America Line – Learn about the major steamship company that transported the majority of emigrants, including their modern emigration hotel and quarantine procedures.
- Jewish Emigration and the Montefiore Society – A focus on Jewish refugees from Romania and Russia who fled persecution and received aid in Rotterdam before continuing their journey.
- Dutch Emigration Decline – Understand why Dutch emigration dropped from 20% to 5% by 1908, while other European nationalities dominated the flow through Rotterdam.
- Strict Government Oversight – The Queen-appointed board ensured safe travel conditions, regulating emigrant lodging houses, ships, and medical inspections to protect passengers from disease and exploitation.
Who Will Find This Article Valuable?
- Teachers & Students – A primary source on European migration, perfect for lessons on immigration waves, transatlantic travel, and Ellis Island arrivals.
- Genealogists & Family Historians – An indispensable reference for tracing Dutch, Jewish, and Eastern European ancestors who passed through Rotterdam.
- Historians & Immigration Researchers – Key insights into government regulations, ship accommodations, and the role of aid societies in migration history.
This article brings to life the journey of thousands of emigrants who left Europe seeking a better future. Whether you are uncovering family roots or studying immigration trends, this is a must-read resource for understanding the role of Rotterdam in transatlantic migration.
