Castle Garden Passenger Lists - 1886

Passenger lists for 1886 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.

Our collection contains samples of passenger lists produced and printed by the steamship lines. 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.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

«
• 1885
• 1886
• 1887
»

Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1886 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of 1886 Castle Garden Passenger Lists

Overview

The year 1886 was a pivotal time for transatlantic migration and steamship travel, with Castle Garden continuing to serve as the primary immigration processing center in New York. This period saw a massive influx of European immigrants, fueled by economic opportunities in the United States and political changes across Europe. Meanwhile, major shipping lines such as Cunard competed to provide faster and more luxurious transatlantic crossings.

One of the most notable voyages of the year was the departure of the RMS Etruria on October 23, 1886, from Liverpool to New York, under Captain T. Cook. The Etruria was one of Cunard's most famous ocean liners of the late 19th century, known for its speed and elegance.

 

---

 

Notable Voyage of 1886

RMS Etruria (23 October 1886)

• Steamship Line: Cunard Line
• Class of Passengers: Saloon (First-Class)
• Route: Liverpool to New York
• Commander: Captain T. Cook
• Significance:
  • The Etruria was one of Cunard’s premier express liners, along with its sister ship Umbria.
  • It was known for speed and reliability, holding the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing.
  • The Etruria represented the height of 19th-century steamship luxury, catering to the growing demand for comfortable first-class travel across the Atlantic.
  • Liverpool remained one of the most significant departure points for immigrants and business travelers heading to America.

 

---

 

Key Maritime and Historical Events in 1886

1. Immigration Surge at Castle Garden

• The 1880s saw a surge in immigration, with over 600,000 people arriving in the U.S. in 1886 alone, many through Castle Garden.
• The majority of immigrants were from Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, and Italy, seeking new opportunities in America’s expanding industrial economy.
• Eastern European Jews, Italians, and Slavic populations also began arriving in larger numbers, escaping economic hardship and persecution.

 

---

 

2. Growing Competition Between Steamship Lines

• The Cunard Line, White Star Line, and Inman Line competed to dominate the transatlantic route.
• The introduction of larger and faster ocean liners signaled a shift toward luxury travel for wealthy passengers while maintaining massive steerage-class accommodations for immigrants.
• Cunard's Etruria and Umbria were among the fastest ships of their time, catering to both wealthy travelers and business passengers.

 

---

 

3. The Statue of Liberty’s Dedication (October 28, 1886)

• Just five days after the Etruria arrived in New York, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886.
• Given as a gift from France, it became a powerful symbol for arriving immigrants, many of whom entered the U.S. through Castle Garden.
• Passengers aboard ships arriving in New York during late 1886, including those on the Etruria, may have witnessed the grand unveiling of Lady Liberty in New York Harbor.

 

---

 

4. The Rise of Steamship Speed and Safety

• The 1880s marked an era of significant improvements in shipbuilding, with more vessels being constructed from steel instead of iron, making them safer and more durable.
• Innovations in navigation, safety regulations, and onboard services made ocean travel more efficient and less dangerous than in previous decades.

 

---

 

5. Castle Garden Nearing Its Final Years

• While Castle Garden remained the main processing center for immigrants in 1886, its facilities were becoming overwhelmed by the increasing number of arrivals.
• The federal government began planning a new immigration station, which eventually led to the opening of Ellis Island in 1892.

 

---

 

Conclusion

The year 1886 was a milestone year for transatlantic travel and immigration, with steamship travel at its height and record numbers of European immigrants arriving in the U.S. The RMS Etruria was among the most prestigious ships of its time, representing the technological advancements in maritime travel.

Meanwhile, one of the most significant events of the year was the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, which would soon become the defining symbol of hope for countless immigrants arriving in New York. As Castle Garden neared the end of its era, the stage was being set for the opening of Ellis Island and the next phase of American immigration history.