Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1901

Our collection of souvenir passenger lists from 1901 includes various ports, such as New York, Southampton, Bremen, Liverpool, Cherbourg, Boston, Glasgow, Queenstown (Cobh), Plymouth, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Naples, and more. These rare keepsakes are invaluable, as many have been lost, making our collection even more unique and valuable.

Our collection is not just a display of historical artifacts, but a practical resource. It contains samples of passenger lists produced and printed by the steamship lines. These lists serve as valuable tools, often used to illustrate family history books for immigrants from this significant period.

Coveted by collectors and genealogists alike, souvenir passenger lists are a treasure trove of unique information. They often offered beautiful graphical covers and information not found in official manifests, as they focused on the journey rather than the destination. These lists provide a personal touch, a glimpse into the lives and experiences of our ancestors, making them invaluable for tracing family histories.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

«
• 1900
• 1901
• 1902
»

Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1901 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1901 Index Page

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1901 offer a detailed glimpse into transatlantic and global ocean travel at the dawn of the 20th century. These souvenir passenger lists, highly valued by genealogists and historians, provide insight into passenger experiences, ship routes, and major steamship companies of the time.

Ellis Island was fully operational in 1901 after reopening in December 1900, marking a return to more efficient immigration processing after years of congestion at the Barge Office. This year’s collection features a diverse range of ports, including New York, Southampton, Bremen, Liverpool, Cherbourg, Boston, Glasgow, Queenstown (Cobh), Plymouth, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Naples, reflecting the vast network of transatlantic migration and luxury travel.

Additionally, steamship lines such as North German Lloyd, Cunard Line, Hamburg-Amerika Line, and American Line dominated transatlantic routes, while Leyland Line and Dominion Line expanded services between the UK, the U.S., and Canada.

 

---

 

Notable Highlights from 1901 Passenger Lists

1. SS Aller (North German Lloyd) – 16 January 1901
   • Route: Genoa to New York via Naples and Gibraltar
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain B. Wilhelmi
   • Significance: This voyage reflects the growing Italian and Mediterranean migration to America, with stops in Naples and Gibraltar catering to Italian, Spanish, and North African emigrants.
2. SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse (North German Lloyd) – 19 February & 13 August 1901
   • Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton / Bremen to New York via Cherbourg & Southampton
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commanders: Captain H. Engelbart / Captain Högemann
   • Significance: The Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse was one of the most famous ocean liners of its time, holding the Blue Riband speed record for transatlantic crossings. These voyages catered to wealthy travelers and German emigrants.
3. SS Frankfurt (North German Lloyd) – 30 March 1901
   • Route: Bremen to New York & Baltimore
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain E. Malchow
   • Significance: The inclusion of Baltimore as a destination highlights its role as an immigration hub, particularly for German and Central European settlers.
4. RMS Lucania (Cunard Line) – 20 April 1901
   • Route: Liverpool to New York
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain Horatio McKay
   • Significance: RMS Lucania was one of Cunard’s premier luxury liners, emphasizing high-speed and first-class transatlantic travel.
5. SS Westernland (American Line) – 11 May 1901
   • Route: Liverpool to Philadelphia via Queenstown
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain C. R. Ehoff
   • Significance: The Liverpool-Philadelphia route shows how Philadelphia remained a key port for European immigrants, particularly British and Irish travelers.
6. SS Ethiopia (Anchor Steamship Line) – 18 May 1901
   • Route: New York to Glasgow via Moville
   • Passenger Class: First and Second Cabin
   • Commander: Captain J. Lumsdane
   • Significance: This route catered to returning Scottish and Irish travelers, with Moville serving as an important embarkation point for Irish emigrants.
7. SS St. Paul (American Line) – 28 September 1901
   • Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain John C. Jamison
   • Significance: The American Line continued expanding its share of the transatlantic luxury travel market, competing with British lines such as Cunard and White Star.
8. RMS Ivernia (Cunard Line) – 1 October 1901
   • Route: Liverpool to Boston
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain J. B. Watt
   • Significance: Boston’s continued importance as a major entry port is reflected in this voyage, catering to wealthy passengers and emigrants from Ireland and Britain.
9. SS Devonian (Leyland Line) – 5 October 1901
   • Route: Liverpool to Boston
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain G. W. Muir
   • Significance: The Leyland Line was mainly a cargo carrier, but its passenger service reflected increasing transatlantic migration trends to New England.
10. RMS Campania (Cunard Line) – 19 October 1901

• Route: Liverpool to New York
• Passenger Class: Second Cabin
• Commander: Captain H. Walker
• Significance: RMS Campania was one of Cunard’s fastest and most luxurious ships, serving both elite and second-class travelers.

11. SS Kronprinz Wilhelm (North German Lloyd) – 16 December 1901

• Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton
• Passenger Class: Cabin
• Commander: Captain L. Störmer
• Significance: A symbol of German naval strength and efficiency, this ship was among the fastest and most advanced liners of its time.

 

---

 

Historical Context – Events Impacting Ocean Travel in 1901

 

---

 

1. The Assassination of U.S. President William McKinley (September 6, 1901)

• The assassination of President McKinley led to increased security concerns on passenger ships and at U.S. immigration ports.
• Ellis Island implemented stricter entry policies, affecting steerage passengers (though they are not represented in this collection).

 

---

 

2. Ellis Island’s Return to Full Operation

• After reopening in December 1900, Ellis Island resumed processing thousands of immigrants per day.
• By 1901, over 400,000 immigrants passed through, primarily from Italy, Russia, and Eastern Europe.

 

---

 

3. Increased Demand for Luxury and Second-Class Travel

• RMS Lucania, RMS Campania, and Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse highlight the growth of elite transatlantic travel, as business and tourism expanded.
• The rise of second-class accommodations (SS Furnessia, SS Ethiopia, SS St. Louis) shows the increasing preference for better conditions over steerage.

 

---

 

4. Boston’s Growing Role as an Immigration Hub

• RMS Ivernia, SS Devonian, and SS New England highlight Boston’s importance as an entry port, particularly for British and Irish emigrants.

 

---

 

5. Expansion of Transatlantic Shipping Routes

• The diversification of routes, including stops in Cherbourg, Naples, Queenstown, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, reflects the increased competition among European and American shipping lines.

 

---

 

Final Thoughts

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1901 reflect the changing nature of transatlantic travel, with immigration increasing, luxury travel expanding, and American steamship lines becoming more competitive with their European counterparts.

Key takeaways from this collection include:

• The return of Ellis Island to full operation after years of processing delays at the Barge Office.
• The increasing presence of second-class travel as an alternative to steerage.
• The growing role of Boston and Philadelphia as major entry points.
• The continued dominance of Cunard, North German Lloyd, and Hamburg-Amerika Line in transatlantic shipping.
• The impact of McKinley’s assassination on security and immigration policies.

This collection provides a valuable snapshot of ocean travel in 1901, showing the economic, political, and social forces shaping transatlantic migration and luxury voyages at the dawn of the 20th century.

In 1901, several major world events impacted steamship travel:

• Expansion of Steamship Routes: Steamship travel continued to expand globally, with established routes connecting major ports and new routes opening up to previously inaccessible regions.
• Technological Advancements: Ongoing steamship technology advancements, including engine efficiency and ship design improvements, allowed for faster and more reliable voyages. This contributed to the increasing popularity of steamship travel as a mode of transportation.
• Boer War (1899-1902): The Second Boer War in South Africa, which began in 1899 and continued into 1902, had significant implications for steamship travel. The war led to increased demand for transportation of troops, supplies, and materials to and from South Africa, impacting steamship schedules and operations.
• Economic Growth and Global Trade: As the 20th century dawned, steamship travel played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and expanding global trade. It became the backbone of efficient transportation, connecting nations and facilitating the exchange of goods and passengers on a global scale.
• Immigration Waves: The early 1900s witnessed large waves of immigration from Europe to the United States, with steamships being a primary mode of transportation for millions of immigrants seeking a new life in America. This influx of immigrants placed significant demands on steamship companies and influenced travel patterns and routes.
• Geopolitical Shifts: Geopolitical developments, such as changes in colonial territories and international alliances, influenced steamship travel patterns and routes as companies adjusted their operations to accommodate shifting political landscapes.

Despite the challenges posed by these events, steamship travel in 1901 demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to the changing landscape and continuing to grow in importance as a global transportation method.