Anchor Line Steamship Company Archival Collection Collection
Anchor Steamship Line New York Office circa 1910. History of the Anchor Line, 1911. GGA Image ID # 1d25d5ecd0
The Anchor Steamship Line operated transatlantic steamship passenger service between the ports in the United States, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore; Canadian Ports of Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax; to UK Ports of call including Southampton, Plymouth, Liverpool, London, Londonderry, Glasgow, Queenstown, Bristol; and, the European Ports of Cherbourg and Hamburg.
All the names of their Ocean Liners in their passenger and freight fleet ended with the suffix "ia." Research and learning about this transatlantic passenger and freight steamship line brought many immigrants to the North American Continent.
Advertisement from the Anchor Line (Henderson Brothers) Ltd . The Port of Liverpool, 1920. GGA Image ID # 1bb5e970a8
The Anchor Line owes its inception to the enterprise and industry, combined with an inherent love of the sea, of four brothers who lived in the early part of the last century in a little village on the coast of Fifeshire. David Henderson, the eldest of the young men, commanded his vessel when he had reached his majority.
During the sixteen or seventeen years they were at sea, he and his brothers, William, Thomas, and John, who also rose to be masters of their ships, turned their abilities to such good account that they could establish themselves in business in Glasgow. The firm of D. & W. Henderson & Co., marine engineers, was founded by David and William, while the other brothers entered into partnership as shipowners. The valuable knowledge of the world's markets gained when they followed the sea stood the brother Thomas in good stead.
Early Anchor Line Office in Bowling Green, New York. History of the Anchor Line, 1911. GGA Image ID # 1d2a6b3d9b
For about 1852, he became associated with Messrs . N. & R. Handyside of Glasgow, trading with Russian and Baltic Ports and owning one or two small vessels. John Henderson joined the same firm later. The Hendersons fully recognized the possibilities of the Mediterranean trade.
Early in 1854, two small sailing vessels, the "Vision" and the "Dream," were placed on this route, orders being given at the same time for the building of the "Vasco da Gama" and "Ignez de Castro," steamers of 178 tons gross. The house flag of their vessels bore a red anchor, and the line was designated the " Anchor " line.
Small Handbill "Steam to Glasgow" by The Anchor Line of Steam-Packet Ships Sailing Regularly from Montreal & Quebec to Glasgow, 23 February 1857. History of the Anchor Line, 1911. GGA Image ID # 1d28e31e4f
It was about this time that the sailing ship "Tempest" of 855 tons register was transformed into an auxiliary steamer. With the "John Bell" of slightly more tonnage which they had also converted into a steamer, were put into service between the Clyde and Canada.
The trade on the various routes continued to grow, and in 1856 the present Glasgow - New York service was instituted, opportunity being taken to employ the ships which would otherwise have been laid up during the closing of St. Lawrence in winter months. Soon, this service would require new and larger vessels, and the "United Kingdom," 1255 tons gross, 245 feet long by 32 feet beam, was built in 1857.
The SS United Kingdom (1857) of the Anchor Steamship Line. History of the Anchor Line, 1911. GGA Image ID # 1d2a1d58d6
This was the largest vessel in the Anchor Line Fleet and one of the finest ships on the Atlantic. The Government chartered her on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny for the conveyance of troops to the East. In 1864 the Anchor Line extended the Mediterranean service to Alexandria.
The ships carried large numbers of pilgrims from Algiers and Tangier to the Egyptian Port, whence they journeyed on foot to Mecca. The emigration traffic from Southern Europe to the United States was specially catered for by the Anchor Line, the first to establish direct communication between Italy, France, Spain, and American Ports.
The Service was inaugurated in 1869 by the "Tyrian" of 1039 tons gross. The Anchor Line was the first to carry live cattle from the United States to Europe and the pioneer in the carriage of American chilled meat to Great Britain. It was a fitting distinction for a Company that had for many years traded to Egypt that the "Dido," flying the Anchor flag, should be the first British merchant steamer to enter the Suez Canal on the opening of that waterway in 1869.
Anchor Line HQ Office Building in Glasgow, Scotland. History of the Anchor Line, 1911. GGA Image ID # 1d289d5f0a
The increase in the trade with India which followed led to the establishment in 1875 of a Bombay Service from Glasgow and Liverpool, and in 1881 this was supplemented by a direct line of steamers to Calcutta. Under the title of Anchor Line (Henderson Brothers Limited), the present Company was formed in the year 1899.
The following figures show the expansion of the Line, which give the total tonnage controlled at various periods of its history.
| Year | Number of Vessels | Total Gross Tonnage | Average Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | 5 | 2,406 | 481 |
| 1860 | 11 | 5,750 | 523 |
| 1880 | 30 | 74,519 | 2,484 |
| 1900 | 26 | 100,814 | 3,877 |
| 1910 | 19 | 107,178 | 5,641 |
The Anchor Line has always been noted for its independence. It and the Cunard Company were the only two British Lines trading with New York, which refused to join the International Mercantile Marine Combine.
The splendid progress that the line has made from the beginning is due entirely to individual enterprise, no Government subsidy of any kind ever having been received. The union of interests, which was affected by the Anchor and Cunard Lines in 1911 and more recently the amalgamation of the Calcutta service with that of Messrs. T. & J. Brocklebank under the style of the Anchor - Brocklebank Line, will serve to further cement the bonds between these concerns to their mutual advantage.
In 1916 the Anchor - Donaldson Line was formed, running steamers between Glasgow, Quebec, and Montreal.
When War broke out, the Government took over the Anchor Line steamers for various purposes - Armed Cruisers, Hospital Ships, Transports, Decoy Ships, etc., and unfortunately, through enemy action, the majority of the largest and finest ships were sunk, of a total of about 70,000 tons, and towards replacing these heavy losses, seven new vessels of 10,000 / 15,000 tons each are now building.
The Glasgow and Boston Service was inaugurated in 1920.
1879-05-17 SS California Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List from the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing 17 May 1879 from London for New York, Commanded by Captain James Donaldson.
1883-12-07 SS Furnessia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 7 December 1883 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain John Hedderwick.
1884-08-23 SS City Of Rome Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS City of Rome of the Anchor Line, Departing 23 August 1884 from Liverpool to New York, Commanded by Captain R. D. Munro.
1887-09-01 SS Circassia Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List from the SS Circassia of the Anchor Line, Departing 1 September 1887 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain A. Campbell.
1888-08-23 SS Furnessia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 23 August 1888 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain John Hedderwick.
1890-07-12 SS Circassia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Circassia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 12 July 1890 from New York to Glasgow via Moville, Commanded by Captain John Hedderwick.
1896-08-20 SS City Of Rome Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS City of Rome of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 20 August 1896 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain Hugh Young.
1897-08-12 SS Circassia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Circassia of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 12 August 1897 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain G. C. Boothby.
1900-07-12 SS Furnessia Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List for the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 12 July 1900 from Glasgow to New York, Commanded by Captain Hugh Young.
1901-05-30 SS Furnessia Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List from the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 30 May 1901 from Glasgow to New York, Commanded by Captain Hugh Young.
1903-06-04 SS Anchoria Passenger List
First and Second Cabin Passenger List for the SS Anchoria of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 4 June 1903 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain F. H. Wadsworth.
1903-08-08 SS Columbia Passenger List
Second Class Passenger List for the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 8 August 1903 from Glasgow to New York, Commanded by Captain Walter Baxter.
1905-07-01 SS Caledonia Passenger List
List of Passengers on Clark's Excursions to Europe for the SS Caledonia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 1 July 1905 from New York to Glasgow via Londonderry.
1905-09-30 SS Minneapolis Passenger List
First Class Passenger List from the SS Minneapolis of the Atlantic Transport Line, Departing Saturday, 30 September 1905 from New York to London, Commanded by Captain Thos. F. Gates.
1907-10-12 SS California Passenger List
Second Saloon Passenger List from the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 12 October 1907 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain James Blaikie.
1912-08-17 SS Columbia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 17 August 1912 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain John Black.
1910-06-18 SS Furnessia Passenger List
Second Cabin Passenger List for the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 18 June 1910 from Glasgow to New York via Moville (Londonderry), Commanded by Captain John Black.
SS Furnessia. One class cabin only. The entire accommodation, consisting of Promenade Deck, Dining Room, Music Room, Library, Smoking Room, and all Staterooms on the main and upper decks are Exclusively for the Use of Second-Cabin Passengers.
1913-09-06 SS Cameronia Passenger List
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 6 September 1913 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain Walter Baxter.
1920-07-17 TSS Columbia Passenger List
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.
1922-02-24 RMS Cameronia Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List for the RMS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 24 February 1922 from Glasgow to Halifax and New York via Moville, Liverpool, and Cobh, Commanded by Captain James Blaikie.
1922-08-19 SS City of London Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List from the SS City of London of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 19 August 1922 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain Arthur J. Elliott.
1922-08-26 RMS Assyria Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List from the SS Assyria of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 26 August 1922 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain C. E. F. Osborne, R.D., R.N.R.
1923-08-23 TSS Columbia Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List for the TSS Columbia of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 23 August 1923 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain G. B. Kelly.
1926-01-30 SS Transylvania Passenger List
Cruise Passengers from the SS Transylvania of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 30 January 1926 from New York to Europe and the Mediterranean, Commanded by Captain D. W. Bone.
1926-07-31 TSS Cameronia Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List for the TSS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 31 July 1926 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart.
1926-08-19 SS California Passenger List
Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Thursday, 19 August 1926 from Naples to New York via Gibraltar, Commanded by Captain Alex. Collie.
1927-07-02 SS Cameronia Passenger List
Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List from the SS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 2 July 1927 from New York and Boston to Glasgow via Londonderry, Commanded by Captain William Gemmeix.
1927-09-03 SS Transylvania Passenger List
Cabin Passenger List for the TSS Transylvania of the Anchor Line, Departing 3 September 1927 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain David W. Bone.
1929-07-03 SS Cameronia Passenger List
Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List from the SS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing Wednesday, 3 July 1929 from New York and Boston to Glasgow via Londonderry, Commanded by Captain William Gemmell.
The 3 July 1929 passenger list for the SS Cameronia was extraordinary in their listing of students, chaperones, and others traveling in Tourist Third Cabin. In addition to the student's name, which is often their full name, they listed their assigned room and a Tour Number used to group the student for activities.
1929-09-14 TSS California Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 14 September 1929 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast, Commanded by Captain Frank M. Henderson.
1930-05-24 SS California Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List from the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 24 May 1930 from New York and Boston to Glasgow via Belfast, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart.
1935-11-01 TSS Caledonia Passenger List
First Class and Tourist Passenger List from the TSS Caledonia of the Anchor Line, Departing 1 November 1935 from Glasgow to New York via Belfast, Commanded by Captain Alexander Collie.
1930-08-20 TSS California Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List from the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Wednesday, 20 August 1930 from Glasgow to New York via Belfast and Moville, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart.
1931-02-23 SS California Passenger List
Cruise Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Monday, 23 February 1931 from New York to Bermuda for a one-week cruise, commanded by Captain Robert Smart.
1931-07-11 TSS Cameronia Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List from the TSS Cameronia of the Anchor Line, Departing 11 July 1931 from New York to Glasgow via Londonderry, Commanded by Captain William Gemmell.
1936-09-11 TSS Transylvania Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List for the TSS Transylvania of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 11 September 1936 from Glasgow to New York via Dublin, Commanded by Captain David W. Bone.
1936-09-18 TSS Caledonia Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Passenger List from the SS Caledonia of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 18 September 1936 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast and Londonderry, Commanded by Captain Alexander Collie.
1938-07-22 TSS California Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 22 July 1938 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin, Commanded by Captain Robert W. Smart.
1938-08-19 TSS California Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Class Passenger List for the SS California of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 19 August 1938 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin and Cobh, Commanded by Captain Robert W. Smart.
1938-08-26 SS Caledonia Passenger List
Cabin and Tourist Passenger List from the SS Caledonia of the Anchor Line, Departing Friday, 26 August 1938 from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast and Londonderry, Commanded by Captain Alexander Collie.
SS Columbia Passage Certificate - 29 May 1873
Certificate for Passage of Mrs. Andrew Fair from Glasgow to New York on board the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line. She arrived in New York on 11 June 1873.
SS Columbia Prepaid Certificate - 8 June 1903
Prepaid Passage Certificate for a family of three from Northern Ireland in 1903. They arrived in New York in August 1903 aboard the Anchor Line SS Columbia.
SS California Passage Receipt - 6 May 1912
Issued by the New York Office of the Anchor Line Steamships Company, this Second Cabin Ticket receipt was purchased by Jessie Clerihew for a voyage on the SS California on 18 May, 1912 from New York to Glasgow, Scotland.
1902 Brochure - Anchor Line Second & Third Class Accommodations
Six-Panel Flyer from the Anchor Line promoting their weekly service between New York and Glasgow. Brochure provided information pertaining to the Second Saloon and Third Class passengers only including rates of passage and rail rates to or from Glasgow to points in the UK.
1904 Brochure - Anchor Line Transatlantic Steamships - Tours
1904 brochure produced by the Anchor Line focuses on most of the popular places of interest and principal cities of Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales. The booklet features beautiful color images, many reproduced on this page.
1911 Brochure - Anchor Line Special Attractions For the Excursion Season
This brochure printed by the Anchor Line for the Tourist season in 1911 featured information for passengers, internal and external photographs of the ships and interior views and some information on destinations.
1912 Brochure - Anchor Line Information For Passengers
Exquisite brochure from 1912 offers an excellent glimpse of cabin class travel aboard steamships of that era. This booklet was produced after the Anchor Line's Newest steamship - The Cameronia in 1911.
1913-11-29 Brochure - Anchor Line Second Cabin Accommodations
12-Page brochure on second cabin accommodations on transatlantic steamships of the Anchor Line offering weekly service between New York, Glasgow, and Londonderry. Published by Amsden-Kalbfleisch Co., Agents - Rochester, NY on 29 November 1913. Numerous photographs, Rates of Passage, and other information are included.
1926 Brochure - The New Anchor Line Fleet
Profusely illustrated brochure from 1926 documents the grand interiors of the Caledonia and Transylvania, the newest additions to the Anchor Line fleet with views of the California and Cameronia, transporting passengers between New York, Londonderry, and Glasgow.
1930s Brochure - Anchor Line Cabin Class
For passengers who are accustomed to the amenities of good-living, the Anchor Line offers a truly delightful mode of travel, in the company of other passengers with the same substantial standards which characterize their own good taste.
1905-07-04 SS Caledonia Independence Day Dinner Menu
Fourth of July Bill of Fare from 1905 featured Green Turtle Soup, Mutton Cutlets à la Deplomate and Pudding à la Republic, Sherry Sauce.
1908-08-10 TSS California Breakfast Menu Postcard
Vintage Bill of Fare from 10 August 1908 featured a limited selection including Halibut Steaks, Stewed Sausages and Mashed Potatoes, and Irish Stew. The attached postcard featured views of the Twin Screw Steamship (TSS) "California", and Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.
1910-06-09 SS Caledonia Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Second Cabin Bill of Fare from 9 June 1910 featured Boiled Halibut, Hollandaise Sauce, Roast Sirloin of Beef, Baked Potatoes, and Plum Pudding, Brandy Sauce for dessert.
1922-02-28 RMS Cameronia Royal Romance
Combination of a Menu and Souvenir of the Royal Wedding in this beautifully preserved dinner menu from 28 February 1922. The Cameronia was on a Westbound Voyage from Liverpool that arrived in New York on 8 March 1922.
1927-02-14 RMS Transylvania Valentine's Day Dinner Menu
Large Format elaborate Saint Valentine's Day Dinner Menu from a 1927 Mediterranean Cruise featured menu items included Prime Rib and Sirloin of Beef, Corned Ox Tongue, and Roast Gigot of Mutton.
1927-07-11 RMS Cameronia Breakfast Menu Card
Vintage Breakfast Menu Card from 11 July 1927 on board the RMS Cameronia of the Anchor Line featured Oatmeal Porridge & Milk, Fried Fillets of Haddock, and Milk Scones.
1930-06-01 TSS California Breakfast Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare for Sunday, 1 June 1936 featured traditional breakfast choices and Suate of Ox Kidney, Fried Smelts and Kippered Herring.
1931-02-24 TSS California Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Bill of Fare from 24 February 1931 featured Boiled Salmon, Sauce Riche, Fried Fillet of Flounder, Sauce Tartare, and Soufflé Pudding, Chamois for dessert. Events for the Evening were included with the menu.
1931-02 Bermuda Suggestions - The National Tours
List of suggestions for passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, on visiting Bermuda, a tour-stop coordinated by The National Tours, during February 1931.
1931-02-24 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 24 February 1931. Open Air Swimming Pool was the Program of the Day. Other activities were scheduled from 10:15 am concert through 10:00 pm's last showing of a motion picture.
1931-02-25 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 25 February 1931. Shipboard activities were scheduled from 7:45 pm Outdoor Motion Picture to 11:15 pm Rudy Valee Orchestra Concert.
1931-02-26 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 26 February 1931. A Masquerade Ball with Grand March was the featured program.
1931-02-27 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 27 February 1931. "California Follies" was the Program of the Day.
1931-02-27 The California Follies - A Musical Revue - National Tours
An adorable musical review concert program provided delightful entertainment to the passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, during a Bermuda Cruise on 27 February 1931.
View Anchor Line Postcards with Additional Information
Anchor Line Offices in Chicago - 1872. A Souvenir of the Anchor Line Agents Excursion on the Steamer California, 14 August 1872. GGA Image ID # 1da6d56a3f
Anchor Line Offices in Glasgow, Scotland, 1872. A Souvenir of the Anchor Line Agents Excursion on the Steamer California, 14 August 1872. GGA Image ID # 1da80b7e1e
The Anchor Line Offices at Marseilles, France. Photo by A. V. Fenton. The Red Anchor, January 1919. GGA Image ID # 1da83963ea
Fleet List for the Anchor Line, August 1922. GGA Image ID # 1da85f0103
Anchor Line Services and Fleet List, May 1930. GGA Image ID # 1da87bb51d
Anchor Line Sailing Schedule for 20 August 1930 through 13 February 1931. GGA Image ID # 1da897a261
1986 - Anchor Line - Merchant Fleets # 9
The ninth title in this widely collected reference series on the world's merchant fleets, past and present, is devoted to the Anchor Line. Commencing with a chronology of the main events in the company's history this is followed by a full list of all of the 174 ships owned together with technical details and the career history of each. The ship list is illustrated with 100 scale profile drawings the the author, covering 168 vessels.
The Ocean Voyage on the City of Rome - 1894
Bibliography
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, The Port of Liverpool, Third Edition, Liverpool: Littlebury Brothers, 1920.
