SS Veendam Archival Collection

Postcard of the Holland-America Line SS Veendam (1923). GGA Image ID # 1dac729e60

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• Veendam (1923) Holland-American line Ship's History (Brief)
• Passenger Lists
• Brochures
• Menus
• Sailing Schedules
• Photographs
• Illustrations and Paintings
• Advertisements
• Excerpts from Information for Passengers
• Books Referencing the TSS Veendam

Veendam (1923) Holland-American line

Built by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Govan, Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 15,450. Dimensions: 550' x 67' (576' o.l.). Propulsion: Twin-screw, 15 knots. Four steam turbines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and two funnels. Maiden voyage: Rotterdam-New York, April 18, 1923. Incidents: Slightly damaged by fire at Rotterdam in May 1940. WW2 Service: The liner was seized by the Germans and used as a submarine-tender in the Baltic, first at Gdynia, afterwards at Hamburg. Post War Service: After the Germern surrender, the liner was salved and towed to Amsterdam to be reconditioned. Re-entered trans-Atlantic service early in 1947. Passengers: 222 first and 330 tourist. Fate: Scrapped at Baltimore in 1953. Sister ship: Volendam.

Passenger Lists

Brochures

Menus

Sailing Schedules

Sailing Schedule, Rotterdam-New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Plymouth, from 4 January 1923 to 5 January 1924. Ships Include the Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Ryndam (Rijndam), Rotterdam, Veendam, and Volemdam. Holland-America Line Sailing Schedules Brochure, January 1923. GGA Image ID # 209dcef4fc

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 23 May 1923 to 10 November 1923. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Veendam Passenger List, 23 May 1923. GGA Image ID # 1dfbc3b61b

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 15 April 1924 to 11 October 1924. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 15 April 1924. GGA Image ID # 1df7085f8e

Sailing Schedule, Rotterdam-Boulogne-Southampton-Halifax-New York, from 12 November 1924 to 13 June 1925. Ships included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 12 November 1924. GGA Image ID # 209be2bf5c

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-Halifax-New York, from 2 September 1925 to 12 December 1925. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 2 September 1925. GGA Image ID # 1df8c99c78

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-Halifax-New York, from 20 July 1926 to 20 November 1926. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 20 July 1926. GGA Image ID # 1df8db920e

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-Halifax-New York, from 7 August 1928 to 8 December 1928. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Ryndam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Veendam Passenger List, 7 August 1928. GGA Image ID # 1dfbcebe20

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 18 September 1929 to 24 January 1930. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 11 September 1929. GGA Image ID # 1df95d8515

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 23 October 1931 to 15 December 1931. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Statendam, and Veendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 9 October 1931. GGA Image ID # 1dfa9fa99c

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 9 September 1933 to 2 December 1933. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 2 September 1933. GGA Image ID # 1dfab45fcd

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 9 June 1934 to 25 September 1934. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 26 May 1934. GGA Image ID # 1dfaf164f7

Proposed Sailings, New York-Plymouth-Boulogne sur Mer-Rotterdam, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 6 July 1935 to 15 November 1935. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Veendam Passenger List, 13 July 1935. GGA Image ID # 1dfc309742

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 11 August 1936 to 14 November 1936. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Statendam Passenger List, 6 August 1936. GGA Image ID # 1dfdc2adae

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 17 July 1937 to 16 October 1937. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Statendam Passenger List, 10 July 1937. GGA Image ID # 1dfdc64ca3

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 21 August 1937 to 11 December 1937. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 11 August 1937. GGA Image ID # 1dfb72695a

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 18 September 1937 to 5 March 1938. Ships Included the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Veendam Passenger List, 4 September 1937. GGA Image ID # 1dfd2c4fd0

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 27 August 1938 to 10 December 1938. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Statendam, Veendam, and Volendam. SS Nieuw Amsterdam Passenger List, 27 August 1938. GGA Image ID # 1dfdec6bc9

Proposed Sailings, Rotterdam-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-New York, from 8 October 1938 to 4 February 1939. Ships Included the Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Volendam, and Zaandam. SS Statendam Passenger List, 1 October 1938. GGA Image ID # 1dfe8996e7

Photographs

First Class Salon on the SS Volendam and SS Veendam. First Class Service to Europe, 1929. GGA Image ID # 1eca945ee4

First Class Outside Room with a Bath on the SS Volendam and SS Veendam. First Class Service to Europe, 1929. GGA Image ID # 1eca9f40af

First Class Smoking Room on the SS Volendam and SS Veendam. First Class Service to Europe, 1929. GGA Image ID # 1ecac57ea4

Illustrations and Paintings

The SS Veendam, 15,450 Tons Register, 25,620 Tons Displacement. Painting by Fred J. Hoertz. First Class Service to Europe, 1929. GGA Image ID # 1eca49b7b0

Advertisements

Four Luxury Cruises to the West Indies and Caribbean by the Splendid Oil-Buring Turbine Sister Ships SS Volendam and SS Veendam. 16-Day Cruises by the SS Volendam Leave New York 26 January 1929, 16 February 1929 and 9 March 1929. A 29-Day Cruise by SS Veendam Leaves New York 12 February 1929. SS Veendam Passenger List, 7 August 1928. GGA Image ID # 1dfc220c3b

Advertisement: Four Luxury Cruises to the West Indies and Caribbean by the Splendid Oil-Buring Turbine Sister Ships SS Volendam and SS Veendam. The First Cruise Leaves New York on 25 January 1930. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 11 September 1929. GGA Image ID # 1df9448f87

Advertisement: Popular 12-Day Winter Vacation Cruises to the West Indies in the Distinguished SS Veendam. Her Cruise Service Commences Saturday, 30 January 1932, Visitig Nassau, Havana, and Bermuda. New Low Rates from $100 Up. Special Easter Nine-Day Cruise Minimum Rate $70. SS Rotterdam Passenger List, 9 October 1931. GGA Image ID # 1dfa62cce9

Fall, Winter, and Spring Cruises by Famous Holland-America Liners from New York, Beginning 18 September 1937 and Ending with an 8-Day Cruise to Havana Leaving New York on 19 March 1938. Ships Include the Rotterdam, Statendam, Veendam, and Vollendam. Throughout the coming full, winter and spring the Trans-Atlantic liners of the Holland-America Line will offer unusual opportunities to visit the West-Indies and to enjoy the carefully planned cruises and the traditionally elaborate entertainment aboard. Duration, destination and price vary. SS Veendam Passenger List, 4 September 1937. GGA Image ID # 1dfc3f4e05

A Special New Year's Voyage Direct to Miami and New Orleans via Nassau and Havana, Sailing from Rotterdam, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Southampton, 28 December 1937 on the SS Veendam. Three West Indies Cruises from New Orleans on the SS Veendam, Sailing January, February, and March 1938. Rates from $200 and Up. SS Veendam Passenger List, 4 September 1937. GGA Image ID # 1dfcdd5c2e

Excerpts from Information for Passengers

Information for Passengers - 23 May 1923

Securing of Berths

Berths are reserved upon payment of one fourth of the full passage money with a minimum of 5 60.— for each berth in the first cabin and upon payment of $ 20.— for each berth in the second cabin.

The balance on the passage-ticket must be paid at least three weeks before sailing.

When sending deposit-money, Passengers are requested to state at the same time their full names and whether the berths are intended for ladies, gentlemen, or married couples.

In case, upon receipt, all berths should be engaged, the money so paid will be refunded or accommodation reserved on a later steamer, if desired Holders of Return tickets can apply for accommodation for the return trip upon writing to the Company to this effect, stating the number of their ticket, the names of the Passengers entitled to transportation, the name of the steamer and date of sailing.

if accommodation at the rate paid should not be available, higher or lower priced accommodation if available will be offered, and when accepted, the difference in price will be collected or will be refunded as the case may be, before the Passenger embarks.

Orders given by telegraph must be followed immediately by the deposit-money or full passage amount and confirmed by letter.

No orders for berths will be accepted, if the date of sailing is not named. Tickets are strictly personal and cannot be transferred to others without the consent of the Company; they are valid only for the steamer and sailing named in the ticket.

Passengers wishing to cancel their passage or wishing to be transferred to another sailing, must give notice to that effect at least three weeks in advance.

Should Passengers fail to notify the Company. in accordance with the above, 50% of the passage money will be forfeited, unless in case of "vis major" (sickness) or in case the Company has been able to resell the accommodation, originally reserved for the Passenger, in which latter case 10% of the passage money will be deducted for booking fee when refunding the amount paid.

Round Trip Tickets.

Round trip tickets are issued without any reduction; these tickets are valid one year from date of issue.

Baggage for Transportation in Bond.

Baggage intended for delivery at ports in the United States other than the port of arrival, or in transit through the United States to a foreign country, may be forwarded without the assessment of duty at the port of New York, by the various railroads and express-companies, whose representatives will be found on the pier, provided the intention of Passengers to have their baggage forwarded in bond be indicated in the customs-declarations to be tilled out on board before the steamer's arrival, and provided the value of such baggage be stated in said declarations.

Baggage Insurance.

The Company's liability for baggage is strictly limited, but arrangements have been made whereby Passengers can have same insured against loss by sea or land. A circular with full particulars re this insurance can be had on application at the Purser's Office.

Deck Chairs.

The steamers are provided with a limited number of deck chairs which can be hired either at the different Offices of the Company or on board at $1.50 for the single voyage. Such chairs must be returned to the Chief Steward on or before arrival.

Steamer Rugs.

Steamer rugs can be hired on board from the Purser at the rate of $1.50 for one trip; they must be returned to the Chief Steward on or before arrival.

Source: SS Veendam Passenger List - 23 May 1923

Information for Passengers - 13 July 1935

Mail and Telegrams. Letters, Packages, etc., for Passengers are brought on board steamer before embarkation and placed in the Passengers' rooms. For any inquiries relating to mails, Passengers are invited to call at the Chief Steward's office.

Seats at Table. Application for table seats may be made to the Chief Steward before sailing, or on embarkation. On midnight sailings permanent table seats will be assigned after breakfast the next morning.

Hours for meals are posted on the ship's bulletin board.

Return Tickets. The Purser will be glad to radio, free of charge, to the New York or European offices of the Line, as necessary, if you wish to make return reservations on any steamer of the Line.

Passengers from New York who already hold return tickets, should register same at one of the offices of the Line indicated on the back page of this list.

Valuables. For the convenience of the Passengers the Line has provided safe deposit boxes in the Purser's office in which any valuables may be deposited upon payment to the Purser of $5.00, this amount to be refunded when the key of the deposit box is returned.

However, the Line does not assume any responsibility for the safe custody of such articles. (Passengers may, if they wish, protect themselves by insurance.)

Personal Funds. For the convenience of Passengers, the Purser is prepared to cash a limited amount of recognized Traveler's Checks or to exchange money at official rates as posted at the Purser's office. A receipt is issued on such transactions, on the Company's Form.

Personal checks cannot be cashed by the Purser.

Port Holes. Passengers are warned to refrain from opening or closing port holes themselves. If Passengers should wish to have their port holes closed or opened, they should call their room steward. Passengers ignoring this warning do so at their own risk and the Company assumes no liability in case of accident.

Ship's Newspaper. "The Ocean Post," containing latest wireless news and closing prices of the leading securities on the New York Stock Exchange, is published on board. A copy of this newspaper is placed every morning in passenger's stateroom with the compliments of the Line.

Medical Attention. Passengers requesting and accepting medical attendance and medicines from the ship's Physician, do so without any responsibility on the part of the Company.

The services rendered and the medicines prescribed by the ship's Physician are free, except that in cases, where Passengers require the service of ship's Physician for the treatment of ailments for which they already were under the care of a Physician at the time of embarkation, the ship's Physician may charge a reasonable fee for such services, subject to the approval and sanction of the Commander.

Additional Payments on Board. Passengers paying any supplements for room transfers, additional passage money, freight, telegrams, etc., should obtain a receipt from the Purser on the Company's Form.

For radiograms receipt will be furnished by the wireless operator.

Flying in Europe or America. The Holland America Line have made arrangements whereby their Passengers have the facilities of the K. L. M. Air Lines in Europe or Curtiss-Wright Flying Service in America, at their disposal on landing.

The Purser will gladly give information on the routes and connections of these air lines and radio ahead for reservations. Only a limited amount of luggage is carried free on these aeroplanes; excess luggage being charged for at excess baggage rates.

Steamer Chairs, Rugs and Chair Cushions. Deck chairs, rugs and 'hair cushions may be hired on application to the Deck Steward.

The hire for deck chairs amounts to $1.50 for the voyage, whereas the hire for rugs and chair cushions amounts to $1,—each for the voyage.

Baggage. There is a baggage room on board steamer where Passengers may store such personal belongings as cannot be placed in their cabins, as well as baggage of any kind. The Baggage Room is open at hours as posted, and all inquiries pertaining to the storing or forwarding of baggage should be addressed to the Baggage Master.

Baggage Insurance. The Company's liability for damage to or loss or detention of baggage is strictly limited, and Passengers are, therefore, advised to protect themselves by insurance against risk of loss, theft, damage, pilferage, etc. Policies may be obtained at current rates at any office of the Line or through the Baggage Master on board this steamer.

Disembarking at Plymouth. Immigration officials board the steamer before disembarkation at Plymouth to take up the "alien order," previously furnished by the Purser to those landing in England, and to stamp passenger's Landing Cards.

Examination of baggage by customs on shore. Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, etc., perfumes, wines and spirits are liable to duty if brought in the United Kingdom.

Passengers are reminded that under the laws of the United Kingdom the importation of dogs into Great Britain is prohibited unless a permit has been first obtained from the Board of Agriculture.

Disembarking at Boulogne-sur-Mer. Inspection of passports will be made on board and Landing Cards issued by immigration officials.

Customs examination of baggage will take place on shore. Cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, etc., are subject to duty.

Disembarking at Rotterdam. All baggage is examined by customs officials upon being landed on shore. A police officer, however, comes on board before the ship docks to endorse passports and issue Landing Cards. These Landing Cards must be surrendered when leaving the ship.

Source: TSS Veendam Passenger List - 13 July 1935

Information for Passengers - 23 July 1948

Animals. Kennels are available on board for the transportation of dogs, cats etc, Animals are not allowed in the cabins and other public rooms, unless by the Captain's special permission.

Attention should be given that these animals be declared on the Customs declaration forms on arrival.

Baggage. Trunks exceeding the ordinary measurements cannot be taken into the cabins. It is forbidden to have in one's baggage, inflammable, explosive or other dangerous articles.

The ship's staff reserve all rights to eliminate all such articles, if deemed necessary. All inquiries pertaining to the storing or forwarding of baggage should be addressed to the Baggage Master.

Upon arrival at New York moreover Century Transportation Company representatives are available to take orders for delivery of trunks and larger pieces to any destination indicated by the passenger,

Baggage Insurance. The Company's liability for damage to or loss or detention of baggage is strictly limited and Passengers are therefore advised to protect themselves by insurance against tisk of loss, theft, damage, pilferage, etc. Policies may be obtained at current rates at any office of the Company.

Barber and Ladies' Hair Dresser. A barber's and ladies-hairdresser's shop is installed on board. The charges for services are announced by the Company.

Change of Cabins. Change of cabins is only permissible when authorized by the Purser,

Customs Clearance. On landing at New York, all baggage will be examined by the Customs Officials. It is therefore recommended that Passengers make full enquiries at the Purser's office about the Customs regulations and to fill in carefully the Customs declaration form handed to them by the Purser.

Dangerous Articles. Dangerous articles such as inflammable and explosive objects may not be taken aboard. The attention of Passengers is also drawn to the fact that it is very dangerous to throw away lighted cigars, cigarettes or burning tobacco discards (even when thrown overboard as they might enter the vessel's interior through open portholes).

Passengers are therefore requested to use the receptacles provided on board, for this purpose.

Deck Chairs, Rugs and Chair Cushions. Deck chairs, rugs and chair cushions may be hired on application to the Deck Steward. The charges are: Deck chairs f 4.—, chair cushions and rugs f 2.65 each per voyage.

Deck Games. Inplements for deck games such as quoits, deck tennis, deck golf, shuffle board etc. are supplied free of charge. Passengers are warned, however, to wear rubber-soled shoes when participating in deck games.

When joining these games Passengers do so at their own risk and any mishaps or injuries, which may occur are without any responsibility on the part of the Company.

Divine Service. Divine service will be held on Sundays, at hours announced on the bulletin board, if a recognized clergyman on board is willing to officiate.

Drinks, Tobacco, Etc. Wines, beer, liquor and many other beverages as well as cigarettes, cigars and tobacco may be obtained on board at prices in Dutch currency fixed by the Company.

Passengers are not allowed to bring with them large quantities of liquor or tobacco for personal use. Any large quantities must be reported to the Purser for Customs declaration. They will be kept in custody by the Purser in an appropriate room.

Landing Cards. All Passengers will receive a Landing Card and are requested to present same before leaving the steamer to a U.S. Immigration Inspector for endorsement.

Lost and Found Articles. Found articles are to be handed over and lost articles to be reported to the Chief Steward.

Articles not called for before arrival, or left in the cabins, will be handed over to the agency at the port of arrival, where Passengers may claim them or make inquiries.

Mail and Telegrams. Mail and telegrams for Passengers are brought on board the steamer before sailing and placed in the Passengers' rooms. For any inquiries relating to mails, Passengers are invited to call at the Chief Steward's office.

Passengers are advised to stop at the mail desk in the centre of the Pier at Hoboken, N.J., to claim letters and telegrams, which may have been received for them.

Mail to be forwarded can be handed over to the Purser, who will take care of it. Postage stamps may be obtained to a limited number from the Library Steward.

Meals. The hours during which meals will be served will be shown on the ship's bulletin boards. Passengers are kindly requested to observe these hours.

Medical Attention. The services rendered and the medicines prescribed by the ship's Physician are free of charge. The Holland-America Line assumes no responsibility for any treatment or services rendered by the Physician or for any medicines supplied.

The ship's Physician is entitled to make a reasonable charge for attendance or treatment for ailments or conditions antedating embarkation of the passenger.

Money-Exchange. During the Westbound voyage the Ship's personnel is allowed to accept only Dutch money in payment of expenses made by the Passengers.

Opportunity is therefore given to exchange foreign Currency into Dutch money at the Purser's Office at rates of exchange fixed by the Company. Only the Purser is authorized to exchange or accept foreign currency.

On Eastbound voyages on the other hand U.S currency only will be accepted on board. Passengers residing in the Netherlands, and Gloat Britain, however, can draw on their Board credit, when taken out beforehand.

Articles on sale in the gift shops are only obtainable against payment in U S. currency both on the West-and Eastbound voyages

Motor Coach Service at New York. For the convenience of Holland-America Line Passengers and their friends a motor coach service will run from Hoboken to Public Service Terminal, located at 260 West 42nd Street (between Seventh and 8th Avenues), where taxis will be available.

Through the Purser, Passengers may reserve a seat in one of the motor coaches at least 24 hours before arrival in New York. The charge for this service, for which Passengers will receive a ticket, will be $1.00 per person, (including the transfer of a reasonable number of pieces of Passengers' hand baggage).

Motor coach tickets are valid only for the motor coach connection for the present voyage, and if not used, have no redemption value. Large baggage must be sent on separately.

The Holland-America Line accepts no responsibility whatsoever in connection with this coach service. Taxis are also available at the Hoboken pier.

Payments. Passengers paying any supplements for room-transfers, additional passage money, freight, telegrams, etc., should obtain a receipt from the Purser on the Company's form. For radiograms a receipt will be furnished by the Wireless Operator.

Table Sitting. Table and seats should be reserved on board at the Chief Steward's office after embarkation.

U.S. Head Tax. Provided alien visitors, holding a temporary visitor's visa (Section 3 ('-') of the United States Immigration Laws) can satisfy the U.S. Immigration Inspector upon arrival in the United States that they will leave the country within sixty days from the date of entry, they are exempt from the payment of U.S. Head Tax ($ 8.—).

Important: In cases where Head Tax is assessed, claim for refund will not be recognized by the United States Government, even if the alien should actually leave the U.S A. within sixty days from the date of entry.

Valuables. The Company is not responsible for theft of valuables or money which are kept in the staterooms and same should be placed in safety deposit boxes in the Purser's office, A deposit of f 25.— is required but this amount will be refunded when the key of the deposit box is returned to the Purser.

As no charge is made for carriage, the Company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage however arising, Passengers are accordingly requested to protect themselves by insurance.

Windows and Portholes, Passengers are not allowed to open or close portholes themselves. If Passengers wish to have their portholes closed or opened, they should call their room steward.

Passengers ignoring this warning do so at their own risk and the Company assumes no liability in case of accident or damage.

The Commander has the right to have all windows and portholes closed when such is found necessary for the ship's safety.

Source: TSS Veendam Passenger List - 23 July 1948

Books Referencing the TSS Veendam

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.