The Immigrant Journey

Last Tuesday Maureen provided a comprehensive picture of our ancestors' immigration journey, including some of the reasons they left their homeland as well as improvements in life style they hoped to find in the "new world." She covered travel to various ports of departure and conditions at those ports. 

Earliest immigrants traveled via sailing vessels taking months to cross the Atlantic. The first steamships came into use during the 1830s, and by 1880 they were the only method of travel, taking 7-15 days. Our ancestors endured hardships such as seasickness, poor sanitation, inadequate food and ventilation and homesickness during the voyage. Cholera and typhus also affected our ancestors. Maureen included photographs depicting the harsh conditions on the ships.

Many immigrants traveled to Canada, as those voyages were less expensive. In fact, any port besides New York was cheaper. 

Thanks, Maureen, for a sobering view of the travels of our brave ancestors!