By Børge Solem
Favorable Sailing Opportunities - The Evolution of Emigrant Travel to America:
The transition from sail to steam marked a significant chapter in the history of transatlantic emigration. This transformation not only improved travel times but also shaped the experience of emigrants seeking a new life in America. From the early days of costly and unpredictable sail voyages to the rise of steamships and large shipping lines, emigrant travel underwent profound changes in the 19th century, resulting in more affordable and efficient routes to accommodate the growing number of emigrants.
Costs and Logistics of Sail Ship Travel:
The cost of passage varied widely during the sail era. For example, in 1839, passengers aboard the Emilie paid 39 speciedaler for passage from Drammen to New York. By 1843, Captain Johan Gasmann of the Salvator provided a detailed cost breakdown for emigrants:
- Journey from Norway to Quebec: 20 speciedaler (Spd.)
- Landing fee in New York: $1.75
- Transportation from New York to the interior: $9.00
- Food for 12 - 14 days: $5.00
The introduction of Quebec as a common destination in the mid-19th century lowered costs further. By 1866, steerage passage aboard the Argonaut cost 15 Spd. per adult, with reduced fees for children based on age: 8 Spd. for ages 7-14, 5 Spd. for ages 1-6, and free passage for infants under one year old. The age-based pricing may explain the scarcity of children aged 2 or 15 in passenger records, as families likely rounded ages to save money.
To se more price examples read: Cost of passage, Norway - AmericaCrowded Ships and Early Regulations:
Passenger traffic was lucrative for shipping owners. Some prioritized profit over safety, often overloading their vessels. The U.S. Passenger Act of 1819 restricted the number of passengers to two per 5 register tons, with hefty fines for violations. Yet enforcement was lax, particularly in ports like Quebec, which became a favored destination from 1850 onward.
By 1863, Norwegian authorities passed stricter laws limiting passenger numbers to one adult per 2 register tons. These laws also required minimum living space and prohibited cargo storage on the same deck as passengers, addressing the poor hygiene and overcrowding that plagued emigrant voyages.
Promoting Emigrant Travel:
Shipping owners invested heavily in promoting their voyages, and there was money to be made for everyone involved in the business. For instance, the Argonaut's 1866 voyage from Christiania to Quebec, carrying 356 passengers, was advertised in 12 Norwegian newspapers by the passenger booking agent. The agent made a good profit even though the price was low. The total fare for all the passengers amounted to 4 391 spd. The agent deducted the price of the newspaper ads, landing fees, telegrams, fees, a 5% commission for himself, and a 5% commission for Captain Plade Stranger. In addition, Lars Larsen from Vardal had earned free passage for signing up about 50 passengers. Adding the income of the return cargo from Quebec to Europe, this was a very profitable business transaction. It was not uncommon that the shipowners had an agreement with local businessmen, or other persons who were locally well known, that they sign up passengers.
A typical newspaper advertisement, like the one from Ringeriges Ugeblad (February 13, 1866), emphasized the quality of the ship and accommodations:
"If a sufficient number of passengers sign on, the copper-hooded, first-class frigate ship, Argonaut will sail from Christiania to Quebec in the middle of April. The ship is a good sailor, with bright, spacious, and 7-foot-high between-deck accommodations fulfilling all modern expectations."
The Rise of Steamships:
The end of the American Civil War in 1865 marked the beginning of mass migration from Norway, fueling demand for transatlantic transport. At the same time, industrialization in England spurred advancements in shipping technology, leading to the rise of steamships. Large shipping lines like the Cunard Line, Inman Line, the White Star Line, the Allan Line, the National Line and the Anchor Line began using steam-powered vessels, which offered faster, more reliable crossings. Steamships also appealed to emigrants by advertising better accommodations, heated quarters in winter, and increased capacity.
From Sail to Steam: A New Era in Emigrant Travel
The shift from sail to steam revolutionized emigrant travel. Steamships reduced travel times, increased passenger safety, and introduced greater comfort. Meanwhile, stricter regulations and the rise of professional shipping lines reshaped the emigrant experience, creating opportunities for millions to pursue new lives in America. This transition reflected broader societal changes, from industrialization to globalization, cementing steamships as the driving force behind 19th-century mass migration.
The S/S Helvetia, built in 1864 by the National Line, exemplified this new era. Originally designed for 72 cabin passengers and 1,200 steerage passengers, it was lengthened in 1872 to carry even more emigrants. Combining steam and sail, it achieved a top speed of 10 knots. Its spacious, well-lit interiors represented a significant improvement over the dark, cramped conditions of sail ships.