Passenger Lists
Why Are Passenger Lists So Important?
For some family history enthusiasts, researching passenger records may not seem important if they already know the origins of their family prior to arriving in North America. Some may even have the exact date of arrival and name of ship as recorded on a naturalization document, so there may seem to be nothing gained from the time required to research these records.
Where possible, however, it is always recommended that you inspect original passenger lists (also called a manifest) for yourself! Only you may be able to recognize the importance of a scribble in the margin or the name of another relative traveling with your direct-line ancestor or the fact that they had taken an earlier trip. These and many more facts can be determined by an inspection of the original manifest image.
The Port of New York — When and Where?
The Port of New York was a chaotic place in the early 1800s. Ships were the primary mode of transportation for people and goods and the docks were busy with activity. It wasn't until the first immigration station opened at Castle Garden in August 1855 that some semblance of organization was brought to the process of immigrant arrivals.
Castle Garden
From 1855 until 1890, Castle Garden received Port of New York arrivals. After extensive debate, Castle Garden was closed and processing took place at the Barge Office until the opening of Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. The new structure, however, was short lived when a fire destroyed the facility in 1897 sending the processing function back to the Barge Office until the new brick structure (present and restored today to its' near original condition) could open in 1900.
The Decline of Passenger Ships
The Port of New York saw a steady influx of immigrants through the 1910s, 1920s, and even though things slowed following immigration restrictions in 1924, arrivals continued into the 1930s. The onset of World War II began to change the volume of immigrant arrivals. By the time after the war, air travel had begun to gradually replace the ships that once were a regular fixture in New York Harbor. By 1954 when Ellis Island had officially closed, the 'Golden Age of Immigration' had come to an end. America was now entering a new phase of growth and expansion.
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