Donaldson Line Archives: Passenger Lists, Fleet Records & Maritime History

Established in Glasgow in 1854 by Donaldson Brothers, who started the business with the little wooden bark Joan Taylor, of 229 tons, trading between Glasgow and the River Plate.

Their first iron vessel was the bark Miami, built in 1867, and their first steamer the Astarle, 863 tons, built 1870. They now have a large fleet, which regularly trades between Glasgow and St. John, N.B., Quebec, Montreal, Baltimore, Norfolk, and Newport News, and make a specialty of livestock and frozen cargoes, their primary steamers being fitted with cold storage on Hall's principle.

Donaldson Line Fleet (1911)

• Alcides
• Almora
• Athenia
• Cassandra
• Concordia
• Hestia
• Indrani
• Kastalia
• Lahonia
• Marina
• Orlhia
• Parthenia
• Salacia
• Saturnia
• Tritonia

65,000 Gross Tonnage

Donaldson Line Rates of Passage (1915)

MONTREAL TO GLASGOW. Cabin (called second), $47.50 and up. British third class, East, $31.25; prepaid West, $31.25.

Recap and Summary of the Donaldson Line Archival Collection

The Donaldson Line Archival Collection presents a fascinating glimpse into one of Scotland’s prominent transatlantic shipping lines, established in 1854. This collection offers valuable insights into the evolution of ocean travel, from the early days of wooden barks to iron-hulled steamships, and ultimately to a modernized fleet that transported passengers, livestock, and frozen cargoes between Scotland, Canada, and the United States.

 

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This resource is highly relevant to:

• Genealogists – Features passenger lists and ticket records, which can be vital for tracking Scottish immigrants heading to Canada in the early 20th century.
• Historians – Showcases the growth of transatlantic commerce, the importance of livestock shipping, and the impact of World War I on maritime routes.
• Teachers & Students – A primary source for studying migration, maritime trade, and Scotland’s economic ties with North America.
• Maritime Enthusiasts – Includes a detailed fleet list, highlighting the technical advancements in shipbuilding from the 19th to the early 20th century.

 

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Notable and Most Interesting Content

1. SS Cassandra Westbound Ticket Order (July 8, 1914)

• Why it’s interesting: This document, issued just weeks before World War I began, shows a passenger’s pre-war journey from Glasgow to Montreal—a route soon disrupted by global conflict.
• Relevance: A rare example of pre-war ocean travel, this ticket order is useful for genealogical research and understanding how travel patterns shifted due to war.

 

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2. Passenger List – TSS Cassandra (August 29, 1914)

• Why it’s interesting: This passenger list records a voyage just as World War I had begun, with passengers possibly seeking refuge or business opportunities in Canada.
• Relevance: Provides historical context on how ocean travel persisted despite the looming global conflict, making it valuable for immigration historians and maritime scholars.
  

 

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3. Donaldson Line Fleet List (1911)

• Why it’s interesting: Lists 16 vessels, including the SS Athenia, a ship later torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1939, becoming the first British casualty of World War II.
• Relevance: A useful technical reference for ship enthusiasts and historical researchers tracing ship movements before and after World War I.

 

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4. Donaldson Line Rates of Passage (1915)

• Why it’s interesting: Shows historical fare prices for transatlantic travel, with cabin-class fares starting at $47.50 and third-class passage at $31.25.
• Relevance: Provides a cost-of-living comparison for students and historians studying early 20th-century travel affordability.

 

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Final Thoughts

The Donaldson Line Archival Collection is a valuable historical resource for those researching transatlantic migration, maritime commerce, and shipbuilding evolution. The inclusion of passenger lists, ticket records, and fleet details makes this collection indispensable for genealogists and maritime historians alike.