SS Columbia Archival Collection

Content Links

• Columbia (1840) Cunard Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1861) Galway Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1866) Anchor Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1889) Hamburg-American Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1901) Anchor Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1908) Austro-American Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1913) Greek Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Columbia (1917) Panama-Pacific Line Ship's History (Brief)
• Passenger Lists
• Brochures
• Passage Contracts, Tickets, and Receipts
• Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs
• Passage Rates
• Sailing Schedules
• Title Pages
• Photographs
• Excerpts from Information for Passengers
• Postcards
• Back Cover Images
• Fleet List
• Time at Sea
• Wireless Technology
• Other Ephemera
• Books Referencing the SS Columbia
• Second Cabin Steamships of the Anchor Line - 1910

Columbia (1840) Cunard Line

Built by Robert Steele & Son, Greenock, Scotland. Tonnage: 1,155. Dimensions: 207' x 34'. Propulsion: Paddle-wheels, 8 1/2 knots. Side lever engines. Masts and Funnels: Three masts and one funnel. Maiden Voyage: Liverpool-Halifax-Boston, January 5, 1841. Fate: Wrecked on Devil's Limit Rock, near Halifax, July 2, 1843, with no loss of life. Sister ships: Acadia, Britannia and Caledonia.

Columbia (1861) Galway Line

Built by Martin Samuelson, Hull, England. Tonnage: 2,913. Dimensions: 364' x 40'. Propulsion: Paddle-wheels, 13 knots. Oscillating engines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and two funnels. Comments: Attained a speed of 13.9 knots during her trials, March 28, 1861. Maiden Voyage: Galway to Boston, April 9, 1861. Ownership Change: Sold to Turkish Government in 1866. Sister ships: Anglia, Connaught and Hibernia.

Columbia (1866) Anchor Line

Built by Alexander Stephen & Son, Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 1,698. Dimensions: 283' x 33'. Propulsion: Single-screw, 10 knots. Inverted engines. Masts and Funnels: Three masts and one funnel. Iron hull. Tonnage increased to 2,030; compound engines installed. Originally in Bombay service. Renamed: Francesco Crispi (1894) Italian. Fate: Wrecked on Shipwash in August 1898. Sister ship: Hibernia.

Columbia (1889) Hamburg-American Line

Built by Laird Bros., Ltd., Birkenhead, England. Tonnage: 7,383. Dimensions: 463' x 55' (480' o.l.). Propulsion: Twin-screw, 18 knots. Triple expansion engines. Masts and Funnels: Three masts and three funnels. Steel hull. Passengers: 220 first, 120 second, 800 third. Renamed: (a) Rápido (1898), (b) Columbia (1899), (c) Terek (1904). Comments: Attained a speed of 20.5 knots during trials. Ownership Change: Sold to Spanish Government in 1898 and renamed Rápido. Service Changes: After the Spanish-American War, she was put back in the Hamburg-American Line service. Second Ownership Change: Sold to the Russian Volunteer Fleet in 1904. Fate: Scrapped in 1907. Running mates: Auguste Victoria, Fürst Bismarck and Normannia.

Columbia (1901) Anchor Line

Built by D. & W. Henderson & Co., Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 8,292. Dimensions: 485' x 56' (503' o.l.). Propulsion: Twin- screw, 15 1/2 knots. Triple expansion engines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and three funnels. Renamed: (a) Columbella (1914), (b) Columbia (1919), (c) Moreas (1926). WW1 Service: Employed as a British armed merchant cruiser during World War I. Fate: Scrapped in Italy, 1929.

Columbia (1908) Austro-American Line

Built by Russell & Co., Ltd., Port Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 5,460. Dimensions: 400' x 52'. Propulsion: Single-screw, 13 knots. Triple expansion engines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and one funnel. Ownership Change: Acquired by Cosulich Line after First World War. Renamed: Annoula. Fate: Foundered off Cape Lookout, October 7, 1933 Sister ship: Georgia.

Columbia (1913) Greek Line

Built by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Belfast, Ireland. Tonnage: 9,424. Dimensions: 450' x 60' (466' o.l.). Propulsion: Triple-screw, 16 knots. Combination triple expansion engines and steam turbines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts ana one funnel. Passengers: 57 first and 727 tourist. Service: Bremen-Southampton-Quebec-Montreal. Fate: Scrapped in Japan, 1959. Previously Named: Katoomba (1949).

Columbia (1917) Panama-Pacific Line

Built by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Belfast, Ireland. Tonnage: 24,578. Dimensions: 670' x 78'. Propulsion: Triple-screw, 17 1/2 knots. Triple expansion engines and steam turbine. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and three funnels. Fate: Scrapped in 1936. Previously Named: Belgenland (1934), Belgic (1917-1921).

Passenger Lists

Brochures

Passage Contracts, Tickets, and Receipts

Route Maps, Track Charts, Abstract of Logs

Track Chart for the 8 August 1903 Voyage of the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line. GGA Image ID # 15b8835df3

Track Chart, Unused, from the 17 August 1912 Voyage of the SS Columbia. GGA Image ID # 1da592e383

Passage Rates

Second Saloon Rates of Passage For New York -- Glasgow or Londonderry. Published 7 May 1902. GGA Image ID # 114ac8fbae

Third Class Rates. Outward from New York. Prepaid to New York. Published 7 May 1902. GGA Image ID # 114add2db0

Anchor Line Second Cabin Passage Rates In Effect 1913. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia. Second Cabin Accommodations Brochure, 1913. GGA Image ID # 1156df9815

Sailing Schedules

Sailing Schedule, New York-Glasgow Service via Movile (Londonderry), from 24 April 1902 to 15 November 1902. Ships Included the Ethiopia, Astoria, Anchoria, Columbia, and Furnessia. Issued 7 May 1902. Second and Third Class Accommodations, 1902 Brochure. GGA Image ID # 114b905df3

Sailing Schedule, Hamburg - Boulogne-sur-Mer - Plymouth - Southampton - Cherbourg - New York, from 21 June to 11 September 1902. Ships Included the Auguste Victoria, Blücher, Columbia, Fürst Bismarck, Graf Waldersee, Moltke, Palatia, Patricia, Pennsylvania, and Phoenicia. SS Pennsylvania Passenger List, 21 June 1902. GGA Image ID # 1ee40ad419

Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 12 October 1907 to 28 December 1907. Eastbound Voyages Call at Moville to Land Passengers. Ships Include the Astoria, Caledonia, California, Columbia, and Furnessia. SS California Passenger List, 12 October 1907. GGA Image ID # 1e39558c53

Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 17 August 1912 to 14 December 1912. Ships included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia. SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 August 1912. GGA Image ID # 1e3b7feb7b

Eastbound Sailing Schedule from the US and Canadian Ports to European Ports, from 18 June 1924 to 3 September 1924. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Assyria, Athenia, Ausonia, Berengaria, California, Cameronia, Carmania, Caronia, Cassandra, Columbia, Franconia, Laconia, Lancastria, Mauretania, Samaria, Saturnia, Saxonia, Scythia, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Second Class Passenger List, 18 June 1924. GGA Image ID # 20aea275f3

Westbound Sailing Schedule, from European Ports to Canadian and US Ports, from 19 June 1924 to 26 August 1924. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Assyria, Athenia, Ausonia, Berengaria, California, Cameronia, Carmania, Caronia, Cassandra, Columbia, Franconia, Laconia, Lancastria, Mauretania, Samaria, Saturnia, Saxonia, Scythia, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Second Class Passenger List, 18 June 1924. GGA Image ID # 20aeac371f

Title Pages

Title Page with Listing of Senior Officers and Staff. TSS Columbia Cabin Passenger List, 4 October 1924. GGA Image ID # 20d062be8c

Photographs

Twin-Screw Steamship "Columbia" of New York and Glasgow Service for the Anchor Line. Second and Third Class Accommodations, 1902. GGA Image ID # 114ba1581c

The Steamship Columbia of the Anchor Line - 8,292 Tons. Special Attractions Excursion, 1911 Brochure. GGA Image ID # 114f5ffb84

Steamship Columbia of the Anchor Line. Information for Passengers Brochure, 1912. GGA Image ID # 11516b6571

The Cunard-Anchor Line RMS Columbia. Length: 501 Feet; Tonnage: 8,300. Going Abroad, 1923. GGA Image ID # 1bcd27e6b4

Every Golfer Who Is a Hero to His Caddy Has a Secret Ambition to Play the Game in Scotland on the Best Links. St. Andrews Golf Course Is Illustrated Above, for Example. The Columbia Is an Excellent Introduction to Scotland —They Call Her "Sir Harry's Boat"—Which Is Praise Enough. Going Abroad, 1923. GGA Image ID # 1bcc73b4c1

When You Dine on the Columbia, You May, if You Enjoy Savoring the Foods of Other Lands, Order Scotch Specialties from the Good Cheer Which Is Characteristic of Anchor Liners. Going Abroad, 1923. GGA Image ID # 1bcce82ef7

The Music Room of the Columbia Is a Pleasant Place, Where the Ship's Orchestra and Any Talent That Happens to Be Present, Make Things Merry for All Hands. And There Usually Is Considerable Talent among the Passengers. Going Abroad, 1923. GGA Image ID # 1bccf83e60

Excerpts from Information for Passengers

Information for Passengers - 17 August 1912

SALOON

Meals will be served in the Saloon at the following times:

• Breakfast from 8 to 10:
• Luncheon at 1 p.m.;
• Dinner at 6:30.
• Supper, if required, will be served before 10 o'clock.

The Bar will be closed at 11 p.m. and the Smoke Room at 11-30 p.m.

Seats at Table.—The Chief Steward has the arrangement of the seats at table.

Forms, Stamps, Etc.—Music Room Steward is provided with Telegraph Forms, Stamps, etc. Telegrams and Letters for despatch to be handed to this Official (fully prepaid) one hour before leaving Moville. This Official will also provide Railway Time 'Fables for use of Passengers.

Divine Service may be held (once) on Sunday.

Dogs.—Passengers are notified that dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been previously procure d from the Foard of Agriculture, London. Forms of license can only be obtained hv direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board. Dogs may be taken on certain dates and by special agreement only.

Baggage.—All enquiries regarding baggage should be made to the Second Steward and Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be received, stored and shipped by the Company for the return voyage. The Second Steward will provide Passengers with Initial Labels for Boxes, so as to facilitate examination of baggage on landing.

Steamer Chairs may be hired from the Deck Steward at a cost of $1.00 for the voyage. Printed receipt to be obtained by Passengers for this hire.

Valuables.—The Company is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables. The Purser will be glad to place such in his safe, if Passengers so desire. As no charge is made for carriage, the Company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but Passengers can protect themselves by Insurance.

Receipts.—Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.

Glasgow to New York Passengers.—Passengers joining Steamers for New York at Londonderry, must be at our Office there not later than 3 o'clock Afternoon on day Steamers leave Glasgow.

Customs.—Tobacco, cigars, etc., wines, spirits and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs authorities when required. Reprints of copyright books and music will be confiscated.

Surgeon.—Each Steamer carries an experienced Surgeon, who is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for treating Saloon Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.

Source: SS Columbia Passenger List - 17 August 1912

Information for Passengers - 17 July 1920

Valuables.—The Company is not responsible for the theft of valuables or money if kept in staterooms. All such articles may be deposited free of charge, in the ship's safe, under care of the Purser.

Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board— Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for such disbursements.

Drafts are issued, free. of charge, payable in currency at any of the Offices of the Company in the United States and Canada, and,' similarly, drafts are issued in the United States and Canada payable at any of the Company's Offices in the United Kingdom in sterling, or at the Company's Offices in Europe in the currency of the country on which they are drawn.

The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Captain, for treating Saloon Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.

Baggage. — Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Second Steward.

Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be stored and re-shipped by the Company for the return voyage.

To facilitate examination and identification of baggage on landing, all packages should have an initial label affixed; these labels are supplied on board on application.

Baggage Insurance.—Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage, as, in the event of loss or damage, the Company cannot accept liability beyond the limit specified on the Steamer Contract Tickets. Rates and particulars on application.

Dogs.—Returning Passengers are notified that dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a licence has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of Licence can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board.

Dogs may only be shipped by certain sailings and by special agreement.

Tobacco, Spirits, Etc.—Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, wines, spirits and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs authorities. Copyright Books and Music are forbidden and will be confiscated by the Customs authorities.

Telegraph Forms and Postage Stamps can be had from the Writing-Room Steward.

Telegrams and Letters for despatch should be handed to the Music-Room Steward (fully prepaid) one hour before leaving Moville.

Railway Time-Tables may be consulted on application to the Music-Room Steward.

Through Bookings To Gibraltar, Egypt, and India. —The Anchor Line steamers engaged in this service have excellent Saloon accommodation: Full particulars as to Fares, etc., on application.

Source: SS Columbia Passenger List - 17 July 1920

Information For Passengers - 4 October 1924

Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board—passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for such disbursements.

Baggage. —Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Second Steward. Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be stored and re-shipped by the Company for the return voyage.

To facilitate examination and identification of baggage on landing, all packages should have an official label affixed; these labels are supplied on board on application.

Baggage Insurance. —Passengers are recommended to ensure their baggage, as, in the event of loss or damage, the Company cannot accept liability beyond the limit specified on the Steamer Contract Tickets. Rates and particulars on application.

The bar closes at 11 p.m.

Barber's Shop. —Barber's shop is situated on board for the convenience of passengers. The barber will attend to the ladies by appointment.

Clothes Pressing. —Application should be made to the Barber, from whom rates, and other particulars can be obtained.

Complaints. —Complaints of incivility, carelessness, or inattention on the part of any of the ship's staff should be immediately reported to the Commander.

Confectionery and Souvenirs. —Confectionery and Souvenirs are on sale at reasonable prices on application to the Deck Steward.

Copyrighted books and music are forbidden and will be confiscated by customs authorities.

Deck Chairs and Rugs may be hired for the voyage at the Company's offices or from the Deck Steward. A printed receipt is to be obtained by passengers for this hire.

Divine Service may be held in the Saloon (weather permitting) every Sunday between 11 and 12 noon.

Dogs. —Returning passengers are notified that Dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. License forms can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board.

Dogs can only be carried by special arrangements made with the Company before embarkation. Whilst on board, they are not permitted in public rooms or staterooms.

Drafts are issued, free of charge, payable in currency at any of the Offices of the Company in the United States and Canada, and similarly, drafts are issued in the United States and Canada payable at any of the Company's Offices in the United Kingdom in sterling or at the Company's Offices in Europe in the currency of the country on which they are drawn.

Library. —Library Books may be obtained on application to the Deck Steward.

Lights are on in the Saloon until 11 p.m. and in public rooms until 11:30 p.m.

Lifebelts. —Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms except in extreme danger and necessity cases.

Meals—

• Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m.
• Lunch, 1 p.m.
• Dinner 7:30 p.m.

When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows:

• Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m.
• Lunch, 1st sitting, 12:30 p.m.
• Lunch, 2nd sitting, 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner, 1st sitting, 6:15 p.m.
• Dinner, 2nd sitting, 7:30 p.m.

Passengers may reserve seats at the table for the voyage on application to the chief steward. Meals cannot be served in cabins or on deck without the surgeon's permission.

Children's Meals—

• Breakfast, 9 a.m.;
• Dinner, noon;
• Tea, 5 to 6 p.m.

Ports. —Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.

Recovery of U.S. Head Tax. —Passengers can recover this tax if the same has been paid, provided they inform the U.S. Immigration Inspector on arrival at New York of their intention to leave the United States within sixty days (the time prescribed by U.S. Law) and obtain Transit Certificate Form 514 from him.

It is also necessary for Transit Certificate Form 514 to be handed to the transportation company when completed, in time to allow the same to be placed before the Immigration Authorities in Washington within one hundred and twenty days of the Passenger's arrival in the United States.

Unless this regulation is complied with, the Tax cannot be recovered.

Railway Timetables may be consulted on application to the Music-Room Steward.

Smoking. —Smoking in saloons and staterooms is strictly prohibited. Children are not allowed in the Smoke- room. Cigarette smokers are requested to be careful when smoking on deck to see that cigarettes are extinguished before being thrown away.

Storage. —The Company will store Deck Chairs and Steamer Trunks belonging to passengers at the owner's risk until they are required when returning. Chairs and Trunks should have the owner's name painted on them, and they will not be re-shipped without instructions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow, or in the case of Italian Ports, care of Anchor Line, Genoa, or Anchor Line, Naples.

A description of the articles should be given, as well as the name of the steamer from which they were landed and the date. No shawls, rugs, &c., to be attached to Chairs. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company's vessels. If Chairs or Trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner's risk and expense.

Table-Seating. —The Chief Steward has the arrangement of table-seating.

Telegrams and Letters for despatch should be handed in at Purser's 'Office and fully prepaid before arriving at Port. The time of acceptance of same will be intimated at Purser's Office.

Telegraph Forms and Postage Stamps can be had from the Writing-Room Stewards.

The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the captain's approval, for treating Saloon Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board, no charge will be made, and medicine will be provided free.

Through Booking to Gibraltar, Egypt, and India. —The Anchor Line Steamers engaged in this service have excellent saloon accommodation. Full particulars as to Fares, etc., on application.

Tobacco, Spirits, etc.—Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, wines, spirits, and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs authorities.

Valuables. —Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. The Company will not be responsible for articles lost or stolen. Valuables may be deposited in the ship's safe, under the care of the Purser, free of charge.

Passengers are warned that they should not on any account with money or valuables to any persons representing themselves as members of the ship's staff.

Wines. —It is requested that Wines be ordered one hour before meals so that they may be cooled and ready for use.

Wireless Telegraphy. —Wireless Telegraphy messages should be handed to the Purser for transmission.

Source: TSS Columbia Passenger List - 4 October 1924

Postcards

SS Columbia of the Anchor Steamship Line. Hands Across the Sea Postcard ca 1902. GGA Image ID # 1d79210989

Back Cover Images

Back Cover of a Cabin Passenger List for the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 17 July 1920 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain David W. Bone. GGA Image ID # 1da5bc40b6

Twin Screw Steamer "Columbia," 8300 Tons, 500 Feet Long, 56 Feet Wide - Glasgow and New York Service. On the Back Cover of a Second Class SS Furnessia Passenger List from 30 May 1901. GGA Image ID # 15b93c6622

Fleet List

Anchor Line Fleet List, 1920. SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 July 1920. GGA Image ID # 1e3b970946

Anchor Steamship Line Fleet, 1924. TSS Columbia Cabin Passenger List, 4 October 1924. GGA Image ID # 20d111798c

Time at Sea

Time at Sea and Ocean Distances. SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 July 1920. GGA Image ID # 1e3be84095

Time at Sea and Ocean Distances - Glasgow to New York. TSS Columbia Cabin Passenger List, 4 October 1924. GGA Image ID # 20d11ca323

Wireless Technology

Marconi Wireless Telegraph System Instructions for Passengers. SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 July 1920. GGA Image ID # 1e3bef7ebd

Marconi Wireless Telegraph System Including Ocean Letters, 1924. TSS Columbia Cabin Passenger List, 4 October 1924. GGA Image ID # 20d13c4809

Other Ephemera

Model of the SS Columbia (1901) of the Anchor Steamship Line. GGA Image ID # 1d792e5afc

Books Referencing the SS Columbia

Passenger Ships of the World - 1963

🎓 “A Global Voyage Through Steamship History for Historians, Genealogists, and Maritime Enthusiasts”

Eugene W. Smith’s Passenger Ships of the World – Past and Present (1963) is a masterfully curated encyclopedic reference that charts the rise, peak, and transformation of ocean-going passenger ships through nearly two centuries. Expanding upon his earlier Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific works, Smith offers a global maritime panorama that includes ships serving the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Oceania, as well as Canal routes and California-Hawaii shuttle lines.

🧭 This book is an essential resource for:

• Maritime historians seeking design evolution and fleet data
• Genealogists tracing voyages and shipping lines
• Educators and students studying transoceanic migration and tourism
• Ship modelers, naval architects, and enthusiasts interested in dimensions, tonnage, and speed

The American Line: 1871-1902 (2000)

📚 "Restoring the Stars and Stripes to the North Atlantic"

William H. Flayhart III’s The American Line: 1871–1902 is a powerful narrative chronicling one of the most ambitious yet underappreciated efforts in U.S. maritime history: the rebirth of American transatlantic shipping in the age of steam. For teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and lovers of ocean liner history, this book offers an indispensable resource on how the American Merchant Marine tried to reclaim its former glory after the Civil War devastated the industry.

The book centers around the rise of the American Line, backed by Philadelphia’s business elite and the Pennsylvania Railroad, and its close cousin, the Red Star Line, launched under a foreign flag to circumvent U.S. restrictions. Flayhart’s exhaustive research delivers a sweeping yet accessible account of how these two lines changed the face of transatlantic travel.

Second Cabin Steamships of the Anchor Line - 1910

Second Cabin Steamships of the Anchor Line. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Columbia, and Furnessia. SS Furnessia Passenger List, 18 June 1910. GGA Image ID # 1f366c5d84

Second Cabin Twin-Screw Steamships "Columbia," "Caledonia," and "California," in Anchor Line SS Furnessia Passenger List, 18 June 1910.