Castle Garden Passenger Lists - 1881

Passenger lists for 1881 represent the souvenir list provided to the passengers of each cabin class (and other classes). Many of these souvenir passenger lists have disappeared over the years. Our collection primarily covers North American and European ports and ports in Australia and South Africa.

These lists are often used to illustrate family history books for immigrants from this period.

Coveted by collectors and genealogists, souvenir passenger lists often offered beautiful graphical covers and information not found in official manifests because they focused on the journey rather than the destination.

Coveted by collectors and genealogists, souvenir passenger lists often offered beautiful graphical covers and information not found in official manifests because they focused on the journey rather than the destination.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

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• 1880
• 1881
• 1882
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Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1881 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Castle Garden Passenger Lists - 1881 Index Page

The Castle Garden Passenger Lists for 1881 provide insight into the experience of transatlantic and international ocean travel during this period. These passenger lists, often serving as souvenir records, were given to travelers across different classes and have become valuable historical artifacts. Unlike official immigration records, these lists focus on the journey rather than the destination, often featuring artistic cover designs and passenger details that are absent from government manifests.

This collection primarily covers North American, European, Australian, and South African ports and is particularly sought after by genealogists and historians for its unique content.

Notable Highlights from 1881 Passenger Lists

1. SS Hohenzollern (North German Lloyd) – 20 April 1881
   • Route: Bremen to Baltimore
   • Passenger Class: Steerage
   • Commander: Captain R. Sander
   • Significance: A rare steerage-class passenger list, which is unusual as most preserved lists are from first-class or saloon passengers. Steerage class was the most common choice for immigrants, making this an important document for those tracing family history.
2. RMS Scythia (Cunard Line) – 16 July 1881
   • Route: Liverpool to New York
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain Murphy
   • Significance: The Cunard Line was one of the premier steamship companies of the era, known for its reliability and speed. This particular voyage is an example of high-class transatlantic travel, catering to wealthier passengers who could afford the comforts of the saloon class.
3. SS Lessing (Hamburg Amerika Linie) – 24 August 1881
   • Route: Hamburg to New York
   • Passenger Class: Cabin and Steerage
   • Commander: Captain Voss
   • Significance: The Hamburg-Amerika Line was a dominant force in the emigration market, particularly for Germans and Eastern Europeans immigrating to the United States. This list includes both cabin and steerage passengers, offering a more comprehensive view of travel conditions.
4. SS City of Chester (Inman Line) – 18 October 1881
   • Route: Liverpool to New York
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain Frederick Watkins
   • Significance: The Inman Line was known for innovating transatlantic passenger service by introducing composite sail-and-steam vessels before fully transitioning to steamships. This saloon-class list highlights the luxurious accommodations available to wealthier travelers.

Historical Context – Events Impacting Ocean Travel in 1881

• Increased European Immigration to the U.S.:
  The early 1880s saw a surge in European emigration, particularly from Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia, contributing to heavy passenger traffic on major steamship lines like Cunard, Hamburg-Amerika, and Inman Line.
• Expansion of Steamship Travel:
  By 1881, sail-powered ocean liners had become obsolete, with steam-powered vessels now dominating transatlantic and transpacific travel. This shift greatly reduced voyage times and increased reliability.
• Political and Economic Factors:
  The assassination of U.S. President James A. Garfield in September 1881 and economic instability in Germany and Eastern Europe prompted many to seek new opportunities in America, boosting migration numbers.
• Steamship Safety and Comfort Improvements:
  Passenger concerns about safety and comfort led to enhancements in hull designs, onboard services, and ship stability. Steamship lines also improved the separation of steerage and first-class passengers, reflecting the growing social divisions in travel accommodations.

Final Thoughts

This index of 1881 passenger lists showcases the diverse range of travelers who crossed the oceans, from wealthy passengers in luxurious saloon accommodations to impoverished immigrants in steerage. The inclusion of a rare steerage-class passenger list (SS Hohenzollern) is a highlight, as most records focus on first-class experiences. The documents serve as important genealogical and historical resources, offering a snapshot of migration patterns, ship travel advancements, and the evolving landscape of international maritime transportation in the late 19th century.