SS Admiral Archival Collection
Ephemera for the SS Admiral of the Vanderbilt European Steamship Line includes a very rare Steerage Passage Contract from 1854.
A Glimpse into 19th-Century Transatlantic Migration
The 1854 Steerage Passage Contract for Naber Vinceut (possibly Vincerot) aboard the SS Admiral of the Vanderbilt European Steamship Line provides a rare and invaluable look into mid-19th-century transatlantic migration. This contract, issued in Le Havre, France, for a voyage to New York, details the strict regulations, challenging conditions, and immigrant expectations for steerage passengers.
This contract serves as a primary source document illuminating the economic realities, legal restrictions, and onboard experiences of 19th-century immigrants. It is a remarkable artifact that showcases how early ocean travel was structured for European emigrants, particularly those traveling in steerage, the most affordable but least comfortable class.
The Packet Ship Admiral, from Le Havre to New York. The ship could make the voyage in roughly 31 days.
