State Line Steam-Ship Company: Transatlantic Travel, Migration, and Maritime Innovations (1873–1891)
The State Line Steam-Ship Company runs its steamers fortnightly from New York to Glasgow and the north of Ireland. Still, it is expected that early in July 1873, the departures will be more numerous and that vessels offering superior accommodations to passengers will be dispatched weekly.
Their steamers were equipped with all the latest modern conveniences, ensuring the comfort and safety of our passengers. We cater to your needs in a manner that rivals any other line crossing the Atlantic.
The SS State of Pennsylvania, a flagship of this line, is a fine steamer with accommodations that are in high demand. She is scheduled to depart on 7 May 1873, and her berths are filling up fast.
The SS State of Georgia, another of the line, will follow on 4 June 1873. To meet traffic requirements, new ships will be added as rapidly as possible.
Their company, the State Line Steam-Ship Company, has a rich history. They began operating between Glasgow, Liverpool, and New York in April 1873. Despite encountering severe financial difficulties, we were able to continue our operations. In fact, on 30 May 1891, we were purchased by the Allan Line, and their ships continued to sail under the name Allan-State Line.
(See Allan Line 1897-06-25 SS Mongolian Passenger List)
Discover the history of the State Line Steam-Ship Company, a key transatlantic carrier from 1873 to 1891. Explore passenger lists, vintage advertisements, and historical notes—an invaluable resource for genealogists, maritime historians, and educators studying 19th-century ocean travel.
Quick Links to Topics Covered
1. Passenger Lists
1883-06-28 SS State of Pennsylvania
- Steamship Line: State Line Steamship Co.
- Ship: SS State of Pennsylvania
- Class of Passengers: Cabin
- Date of Departure: 28 June 1883
- Route: New York to Glasgow
2. 1874 Advertisement - The State Line Steamship Co.
1874 Advertisement: New and Powerful First Class Iron Screw Steamers, Sailing Regularly from Pier 36, North River, New York by The State Line Steamship Co. Steamship Notes, 1874. GGA Image ID # 21fe6573c3
3. Transcript of 1874 State Line Steamship Co. Advertisement
State Line Steamship Co.’s New & Powerful Iron Screw Steamers, Sailing Regularly From Pier 36, North River, New York, Conveying Passengers for All Parts of Europe by the Most Expeditious and Favorite Routes.
These vessels are built under special survey, and classed A100 (highest description) at Lloyd's. They are fitted up with every improvement which experience can suggest for the safety, comfort and convenience of Passengers ; and, from their fine model and great power, are calculated to maintain a speed equal to any of the other first-class Lines.
They are commanded by Masters and Officers of the highest character for prudence, judgment, and unremitting vigilance, and every attention is paid to all classes of Passengers. An experienced Surgeon is attached to each Ship.
Rates of Passage
| To | Cabin (Gold) | Round Trip (Gold) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Londonderry or Queenstown | $70 | $80 | $120 | $140 |
| London | $75 | $85 | $130 | $150 |
| Hamburg or Le Havre | $80 | $90 | $140 | $160 |
| Antwerp or Rotterdam | $80 | $90 | $140 | $160 |
| Paris, Bremen, Gothenburg, Christiania, Bergen, Copenhagen, Malmo, Oslo, Stavanger or Trondheim | $90 | $100 | $160 | $180 |
Children Between 2 and 12 Years, Half Fare
Intermediate, or Second Cabin Passage, $50 Currency.
For dates of sailing and further information apply in
BOSTON, to H. F. MAGEE, 136 State Street;
- PHILADELPHIA, to GEORGE H. LEAF, 531 Chestnut Street;
- CHICAGO, to JOHN E. EARLE, 60 Clark Street;
- GLASGOW, to LEWIS T. MERROW & CO., or to
- AUSTIN BALDWIN & CO., Agents, 72 Broadway, New York.
4. Notes on State Line Steamship Co.
Over the past eight months, the State Line steamship State of Pennsylvania has set a new standard for speed, making the fastest time between New York and Glasgow. With its nine magnificent steamers named after the American States, this line is on the brink of a significant expansion. If its business continues to grow as expected, another State will soon join the Union, a testament to the line's rapid progress and exciting future.
Amongst the passengers sailing from New York in the SS State of Virginia on June 25, 1873, were thirteen clergypersons and twenty members of the Order of Good Templars. The spiritual comforts of the passengers were well provided for on that trip!
There appears to be a little dispute about the fastest time made between New York and Queenstown by the steamers Baltic, of the White Star Line, and City of Brussels, Inman Line. We believe the agents of both lines claim for the vessels named the quickest time on record.
The main saloons in the State Line steamers, located amidship and spanning the entire width of the vessel, are a testament to luxury and comfort. They are brilliantly illuminated at night and kept warm throughout by steam pipes during cool weather. The skylights are adorned with many beautiful exotics and rare plants, adding a touch of elegance to the voyage.
The back saloon on the State Line steamers is a haven of comfort and entertainment. It is furnished with a piano and a good library, offering a relaxing atmosphere for leisurely activities. Immediately off the general saloon is a cozy and luxuriously upholstered cabin for ladies, providing a private retreat for female passengers. Electric bells connected with the steward's department are at hand when refreshments or assistance are needed by those invalided or indisposed to exertion, ensuring the comfort and well-being of all passengers.
The State Line steamship State of Georgia, under the command of the American Captain L. E. Cooper, ensures the safety and security of its passengers. Each berth is equipped with life preservers, and the lifeboats are suspended by a new patent method, enabling them to be launched swiftly in case of an emergency during the voyage. This commitment to safety provides peace of mind to all on board.
5. Bibliography
"State Line Steam-Ship Company," in The New York Times, April 29, 1873, p. 5.
Sate Line Steamship Co Advertisement, E. L. Nirval, Steamship Notes: A Handbook Containing Facts, Hints, and General Information For Those Contemplating a Trip to Europe, New York: New York Evening Mail, 1874, p.60
E. L. Nirval, "State Line Steamship Co.," in Steamship Notes: A Handbook Containing Facts, Hints, and General Information For Those Contemplating a Trip to Europe, New York: New York Evening Mail, 1874, pp. 42-43
6. Recap and Summary of the State Line Steam-Ship Company Archival Collection
The State Line Steam-Ship Company was a major transatlantic shipping line operating between the United States and the United Kingdom in the late 19th century, specifically linking New York to Glasgow and Northern Ireland. Established in 1873, the line provided fortnightly sailings, later increasing in frequency due to growing demand. Despite financial difficulties, the company managed to continue operations until 1891, when it was acquired by the Allan Line, which rebranded it as Allan-State Line.
This archival collection is an invaluable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts, offering passenger lists, advertisements, historical notes, and fleet information that provide insights into 19th-century ocean travel, migration, and shipboard experiences.
Most Interesting Highlights & Key Content
1. Passenger Lists: A Genealogical Resource (1883)
The 1883 passenger list of the SS State of Pennsylvania, documenting a journey from New York to Glasgow, is a key historical record for genealogists tracing Scottish and Irish ancestors who emigrated to the United States or traveled for business.
These records can help family historians verify transatlantic migration patterns and passenger identities, making this collection an essential tool for ancestry research.
2. 1874 Advertisement: Promoting Luxury & Safety at Sea
A State Line Steamship Company advertisement from 1874 promotes the company’s iron screw steamers, emphasizing modern safety measures, luxurious accommodations, and competitive pricing.
The advertisement includes ticket prices, providing an economic perspective on 19th-century transatlantic travel costs.
The ad highlights routes beyond the UK, including London, Hamburg, Paris, Bremen, Copenhagen, and Oslo, showing the company’s broader European connections.
3. Shipboard Experience: Comfort & Amenities at Sea
Main saloons aboard the State Line ships were located amidship, spanning the entire width of the vessel, offering passengers luxurious, well-lit spaces adorned with rare plants and exotic decorations.
The back saloon was furnished with a piano and a library, providing entertainment and a relaxing space for travelers—an early example of shipboard leisure culture.
A ladies’ cabin was available for female passengers, ensuring privacy and comfort during long voyages, reflecting the evolving standards of passenger accommodation in the late 19th century.
4. Commitment to Safety & Speed
The SS State of Pennsylvania set a new standard for speed, making one of the fastest transatlantic crossings between New York and Glasgow in the company’s early years.
The SS State of Georgia, commanded by Captain L.E. Cooper, was outfitted with lifeboats suspended using a patented launch method, ensuring quick deployment in emergencies.
Every berth was equipped with a life preserver, showcasing the company’s focus on passenger safety—a key selling point in an era when maritime travel was still risky.
5. Expansion & Historical Impact
The State Line was on the verge of significant expansion, with nine steamers in operation and more vessels planned to be added.
The fleet’s naming convention—ships named after American states—reflects a strong transatlantic identity, reinforcing its role in facilitating travel between the United States and Europe.
In 1891, the company was acquired by the Allan Line, marking the end of an independent State Line but the continuation of its legacy under the Allan-State Line banner.
Why This Collection is Valuable
This archival collection is an essential historical resource for multiple research and educational purposes:
- Teachers & Students: Offers a detailed look into transatlantic migration, maritime history, and industrial advancements in 19th-century ocean travel, perfect for social studies and history curricula.
- Genealogists: Passenger lists provide first-hand records of Scottish, Irish, and English emigrants traveling to or from the U.S. in the late 1800s.
- Historians: Documents ship design, advertising strategies, and evolving passenger expectations, offering a snapshot of oceanic travel during the Industrial Revolution.
- Maritime Enthusiasts: The ship details, safety features, and onboard amenities showcase the evolution of 19th-century steamship travel, making this collection a fascinating study of nautical advancements.
