Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1902

Our collection of 1902 passenger lists includes records of voyages to and from New York, Liverpool, Southampton, Hamburg, London, Cherbourg, Plymouth, Bremen, Boston, Montréal, Québec, Galveston, 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

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• 1901
• 1902
• 1903
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Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1902 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1902 Index Page

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1902 provide a detailed snapshot of transatlantic and global ocean travel, reflecting both migration patterns and the rise of luxury steamship travel. These souvenir passenger lists focus on saloon, cabin, and second-class passengers, offering a glimpse into the social classes aboard ocean liners, routes taken, and the major shipping companies dominating the industry.

By 1902, Ellis Island had fully resumed operations, processing nearly 600,000 immigrants per year, with many arriving from Italy, Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Germany. The presence of ships bound for alternative destinations, such as Baltimore, Galveston, and Québec, highlights the growing diversification of immigration entry points in North America.

This collection includes voyages from premier steamship companies, including Cunard Line, White Star Line, Hamburg-Amerika Line, Norddeutscher Lloyd, and the Atlantic Transport Line, with Liverpool, Southampton, Hamburg, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia serving as key hubs.

 

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Notable Highlights from 1902 Passenger Lists

1. SS Fürst Bismarck (Hamburg-Amerika Line) – 26 January 1902
   • Route: Naples to New York via Gibraltar
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain Heinrich H. Barends
   • Significance: This voyage reflects the continued wave of Italian migration to America, with Naples serving as a major departure point for Southern Italian emigrants.
2. RMS Oceanic (White Star Line) – 16 April 1902
   • Route: Liverpool to New York
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain J. G. Cameron, R.N.R.
   • Significance: The RMS Oceanic was one of the most luxurious liners of its time, designed to compete with Cunard’s finest ships.
3. SS Pennsylvania (Hamburg-Amerika Line) – 22 April & 21 June 1902
   • Routes: New York to Hamburg / Hamburg to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Plymouth
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain H. Spliedt
   • Significance: These voyages demonstrate the strong connection between German emigrants and the U.S., with Hamburg being a key migration port.
4. SS Friedrich der Grosse (North German Lloyd) – 12 July 1902
   • Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain G. Rott
   • Significance: The Bremen-Southampton-New York route was a primary corridor for German and Central European emigrants.
5. RMS Lucania (Cunard Line) – 16 August 1902
   • Route: Liverpool to New York
   • Passenger Class: Second Cabin
   • Commander: Captain Alexander McKay
   • Significance: One of Cunard’s fastest and most luxurious ships, catering to both elite and middle-class travelers.
6. SS Minnehaha (Atlantic Transport Line) – 16 August 1902
   • Route: London to New York
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain J. Robinson
   • Significance: The Atlantic Transport Line specialized in high-class transatlantic travel, catering to business professionals and wealthy passengers.
7. SS Chemnitz (North German Lloyd) – 18 September 1902
   • Route: Bremen to Baltimore and Galveston
   • Passenger Class: Cabin
   • Commander: Captain J. Jantzen
   • Significance: The inclusion of Galveston as a destination is significant, as Texas became a growing hub for German and Central European immigration.
8. RMS Bavarian (Allan Line) – 9 October 1902
   • Route: Liverpool to Québec and Montréal
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain Angus MacNicol
   • Significance: The increasing role of Canada as an immigration destination is evident, particularly for British and Irish emigrants.
9. SS St. Paul (American Line) – 6 December 1902
   • Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
   • Passenger Class: Saloon
   • Commander: Captain John C. Jamison
   • Significance: American-owned ships were competing more aggressively with British steamship lines, as seen with the expansion of the American Line.

 

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Historical Context – Events Impacting Ocean Travel in 1902

 

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1. Increased Immigration to North America

• Ellis Island processed nearly 600,000 immigrants in 1902, with Italian, German, and Eastern European migrants making up the largest numbers.
• The inclusion of ships bound for Baltimore and Galveston reflects the expansion of immigration beyond New York and Boston.

 

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2. Rise of Alternative Immigration Ports

• The use of Galveston (SS Chemnitz) and Québec/Montréal (RMS Bavarian) as destinations suggests shifting migration patterns, likely due to changing U.S. immigration policies and economic opportunities in Canada and Texas.

 

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3. Expansion of Luxury Ocean Liners

• Ships like RMS Oceanic and RMS Lucania reflect the increasing demand for high-end transatlantic travel, as the wealthy elite sought faster, more luxurious crossings.

 

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4. Growing U.S. Influence in the Shipping Industry

• American-owned ships like SS St. Paul and SS Minneapolis demonstrate the increasing role of U.S. companies in transatlantic travel.

 

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Final Thoughts

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1902 showcase the evolving landscape of transatlantic migration and high-class ocean travel, reflecting growing immigration, shifting destinations, and heightened competition among steamship lines.

Key takeaways include:

• The continued surge of Italian and German migration, as seen in voyages from Naples and Hamburg.
• The increasing use of alternative immigration ports, such as Galveston and Québec.
• The rise of luxury transatlantic travel, highlighted by the presence of White Star’s RMS Oceanic and Cunard’s RMS Lucania.
• The expanding presence of American-owned ships in the transatlantic shipping industry.

This collection provides a valuable historical record of ocean travel in 1902, capturing the economic and social forces shaping migration and global commerce at the start of the 20th century.

In 1902, several significant world events impacted steamship and ocean liner travel:

• Second Boer War (1899-1902) Conclusion: The conclusion of the Second Boer War in South Africa in May 1902 led to changes in steamship travel patterns. Troop movements and supply transport associated with the war decreased, potentially affecting steamship schedules and routes.
• Economic Expansion: The early 20th century witnessed continued economic expansion, driving increased demand for steamship travel for both commercial purposes and passenger transportation. This economic growth further solidified steamships' importance as a vital component of global trade and transportation networks.
• Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in steamship technology continued to enhance ocean liners' efficiency, speed, and safety. Innovations such as improved engines, hull designs, and navigation equipment contributed to more reliable and comfortable passenger voyages.
• Immigration Flows: Immigration waves to countries like the United States and Canada remained significant in 1902, with steamships serving as the primary means of transportation for immigrants crossing the Atlantic. The influx of immigrants influenced steamship companies' operations and travel routes.
• Geopolitical Developments: Various geopolitical developments, including territorial disputes, colonial expansions, and international tensions, impacted steamship travel. Changes in political alliances and conflicts could affect travel routes and passenger safety in certain regions.
• Labor Strikes and Unrest: Labor strikes and unrest among seafaring workers occasionally disrupted steamship operations in different parts of the world. Disputes over working conditions, wages, and union rights could lead to temporary disruptions in ocean liner services.
• Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as storms, hurricanes, and maritime accidents could disrupt steamship travel by causing delays, damage to vessels, or loss of life. These events underscored the risks associated with ocean travel and the importance of safety measures implemented by steamship companies.

These events collectively shaped the landscape of steamship and ocean liner travel in 1902, influencing travel patterns, technological advancements, and the overall experience of passengers and crew members.