Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1920

Passenger lists for 1920 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

«
• 1919
• 1920
• 1921
»

Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1920 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1920

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1920 represent a critical period of transition in transatlantic and ocean liner travel. Following the devastation of World War I (1914–1918) and the post-war adjustments of 1919, 1920 marked the return of large-scale civilian migration. However, this year was particularly significant due to new immigration restrictions and the recovery of the steamship industry.

The U.S. Immigration Act of 1917 had already placed restrictions on certain groups, and by 1921, even stricter quotas would come into effect. Many immigrants in 1920 saw this as their last chance before further limitations. Meanwhile, many liners were still undergoing repairs or modifications after being used for military purposes.

 

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Notable Passenger Ships from 1920

1. SS La Touraine (French Line - CGT) – 24 February 1920

• Route: Le Havre to New York
• Class of Passengers: Cabin
• Commander: Captain Bourdeaux, C.L.-C.
• Total Passengers: 629
• Significance:
  • This French liner resumed peacetime service, bringing immigrants and business travelers from France and other parts of Europe.
  • Third-class passengers made up a significant portion of the voyage, reflecting ongoing migration trends.

 

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2. RMS Adriatic (White Star Line) – 7 & 24 April 1920

• Route:
  • April 7: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg (Second Class)
  • April 24: New York to Southampton via Cherbourg (First & Second Class)
• Commander: Captain J. B. Ranson, O.B.E., Lt. Cmdr. R.N.R.
• Significance:
  • The Adriatic was one of White Star Line’s key transatlantic liners, catering to both immigrants and wealthy travelers.
  • As Europe rebuilt after WWI, business and leisure travel began to resume alongside immigration.

 

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3. RMS Lapland (Red Star Line) – 21 April 1920

• Route: Antwerp to New York via Southampton
• Class of Passengers: Second Class
• Commander: Captain J. Bradshaw
• Significance:
  • Belgium was recovering from wartime devastation, and Antwerp remained a crucial departure port for European emigrants.
  • The Lapland had served in troop transport during WWI and was now returning to commercial operations.

 

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4. SS Victorian (Canadian Pacific Line) – 8 May 1920

• Route: Québec to Liverpool
• Class of Passengers: Second Class
• Commander: Captain H. L. Waite
• Significance:
  • The Canadian Pacific Line played a major role in post-war migration between Canada and Britain.
  • Many passengers were British citizens returning home or Canadian immigrants visiting family.

 

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5. TSS Cassandra (Anchor-Donaldson Line) – 12 May 1920

• Route: Glasgow to Québec and Montréal
• Class of Passengers: Cabin
• Commander: Captain James Black
• Significance:
  • Scotland remained a major source of emigration to North America, with many Scottish families seeking opportunities in Canada.
  • Cabin-class travelers included both middle-class emigrants and returning expatriates.

 

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6. RMS Olympic (White Star Line) – 8 September 1920

• Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
• Class of Passengers: Second Class
• Commander: Captain Sir Bertram Hayes
• Significance:
  • The Olympic was the sister ship of the Titanic and one of the largest ocean liners in service.
  • Many passengers were immigrants taking advantage of U.S. policies before the restrictive quota system was implemented in 1921.

 

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7. TSS Rotterdam (Holland-America Line) – 19 October 1920

• Route: Rotterdam to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Plymouth
• Class of Passengers: Cabin
• Commander: Commodore J. Baron
• Significance:
  • The Dutch played a key role in transatlantic migration, and Holland-America Line was a preferred carrier for European emigrants heading to the U.S.
  • Boulogne-sur-Mer and Plymouth served as additional pick-up points for passengers from France and England.

 

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8. RMS Armadale Castle (Union-Castle Line) – 12 November 1920

• Route: Southampton to Natal via Madeira, Cape Town, Algoa Bay, and East London
• Class of Passengers: First and Second Class
• Commander: Captain J. W. Hague, R.N.R.
• Significance:
  • This route linked Britain to South Africa, an important British colony at the time.
  • Wealthy travelers, colonial officials, and businesspeople made up most of the passenger list.

 

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Key Historical Events That Affected Ocean Travel in 1920

1. The Immigration Boom Before the U.S. Quota System (1921)

• In 1920, the U.S. was still open to large numbers of immigrants.
• Many people rushed to migrate before the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 severely limited immigration from certain countries.
• Ellis Island saw some of its highest numbers of arrivals during this period.

 

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2. The Recovery of the Ocean Liner Industry

• After years of military use during World War I, many ocean liners were finally restored for civilian service.
• Luxury travel was beginning to resume, though most passengers were still second and third-class emigrants.

 

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3. The Growth of Canadian Immigration

• Ships from Liverpool, Glasgow, and Rotterdam frequently sailed to Québec and Montréal, carrying British and European settlers.
• Canada was actively recruiting immigrants to develop its economy and expand its agricultural workforce.

 

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4. Steamship Companies Competing for Passengers

• Shipping lines expanded their services, modernized their fleets, and improved passenger accommodations.
• Competition among companies like Cunard, White Star, and Holland-America led to innovations in ship design and service.

 

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Conclusion – 1920: A Year of Migration and Maritime Revival

• 1920 marked the last full year before strict immigration quotas were implemented in the U.S., prompting a surge in migration.
• Transatlantic travel was no longer just for war refugees—middle-class and business travelers were returning.
• Major ocean liners, including the Olympic, Adriatic, and Rotterdam, were back in service, carrying thousands of passengers.
• European and Canadian migration remained strong, shaping the demographics of North America for decades to come.

This year was a turning point in maritime history, reflecting the end of wartime disruptions and the beginning of new restrictions on immigration that would reshape global travel patterns.