Dominion Line Archives: Transatlantic Passenger Lists, Brochures & Maritime History (1890s-1926)

The Dominion Line Royal Mail Steamers was involved in the transatlantic immigrant passenger service between Liverpool, Queenstown (Cobh) and Boston; Liverpool to Québec and Montréal and Naples to Boston. They were in operation under Dominion Line from the late 1800s to 1908, and White Star Dominion Line until 1926.

The Dominion Line - 1908

The "St. Lawrence Route to Europe," as it has become familiar, will always be popular, especially with tourists who wish to avoid as much of the uncertain weather of the open sea as possible.

The steamers of the Dominion Line leave Montreal on Saturdays at daylight and Quebec at 7 p.m. for Liverpool direct, steam for two days and a half on the smooth waters of the river and the broad gulf before starting on the ocean run, which commences at that point in the North Atlantic where most vessels begin to bear to the eastward after two or three days' sail from the more southerly ports, such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

Thus, one-third of the voyage on the ocean itself is avoided, and from this point to Liverpool, it is but a matter of four and a half to five days. This route also offers the traveler the exceptional opportunity to enjoy over nine hundred miles of beautiful and impressive scenery skirting the banks of the St. Lawrence River and the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Passing out of the portals of the New World into the North Atlantic at its narrowest point, a short sea voyage is a pleasant prospect for every passenger. During winter, when the St. Lawrence is closed to navigation, the Dominion Line sailings are made weekly from Portland, Maine, to Liverpool directly.

The Steamers Laurentic and Megantic

Two new and powerful steamers—the Laurentic (triple-screw with turbine and reciprocating engines) and Megantic (twin screw)—especially designed for the St. Lawrence Route, will shortly inaugurate a Liverpool-Canadian service under the flag of the White Star Line, in conjunction with the Dominion Line, of which due announcement will be made. Both vessels are nearing completion in the Belfast shipyards of Harland & Wolff.

Being 550 feet in length and 67 feet in breadth, these are the longest and broadest steamers ever brought to St. Lawrence. Their large displacement and the bilge keels with which they will be fitted cannot fail to secure that foremost seagoing quality—absolute steadiness.

The accommodations in first, second, and third classes will be of the latest type, with every "creature comfort," and special attention will be paid to the cuisine and service. The Dominion Line service, as at present constituted, comprises the well-known and popular vessels described below.

The Steamship Canada

The Steamship Canada is undoubtedly the most famous ship of the Dominion Line, noted for her speed, steadiness in any sea, and the regularity of her crossings. This fine vessel is a product of the famous shipyards of Harland & Wolff of Belfast, which were the builders of all the famous ships of the White Star Line.

Entirely constructed of steel after thoroughly approved modern designs, including a complement of watertight bulkheads, the principal dimensions of Canada are: Length, 514 feet; breadth of beam, 58 feet; gross tonnage, 9,413. She is a twin-screw steamship, and her engines are triple-expansion, developing 6,800 horsepower, sufficient to ensure a speed of 17 knots.

The SS Canada is equipped with every modem appliance, and electricity is used for lighting and all other possible purposes.

There is a fine promenade and boat decks, and the staterooms and cabins of first-class passengers are situated on the saloon and upper decks. These rooms are spacious, well-lighted, and have modem sanitary and ventilating systems.

The first-class dining hall is a huge, cheerful apartment tastefully decorated and furnished, with handsome table appointments. The cuisine is all the most fastidious could desire, and well-trained attendants provide the service.

Attractive staterooms for second-class passengers are provided on the upper deck. These cabins are well-situated, light, and comfortably furnished. Third-class passengers find modem accommodations with all conveniences, desirably located on the upper and main decks.

The Steamship Dominion

The SS Dominion is a fine, staunch twin-screw ship entirely built of steel with water-tight bulkheads and sectional compartments, also from the yards of Harland & Wolff. The principal dimensions of the Dominion are: Length, 456 feet; breadth of beam, 50 feet; gross tonnage, 6,618 tons.

In every way, the SS Dominion is a comfortable ship. It is furnished and decorated with exquisite artistic taste and skill. The first-class dining saloon, located on the saloon deck, is especially noticeable as a model of harmony along decorative lines. Its attractiveness is further enhanced by a soft light, which pervades the room, emanating from a magnificent dome of cathedral, and opalescent glass, which lends a distinct charm to this apartment.

Most of the first-class staterooms are on the saloon deck. Twenty-six cabins of a similar standard are situated on the upper deck. All the second and third-class accommodations are located on the upper deck. Still, they are isolated from the first-class apartments. The second-class staterooms are similar in plan to those of the first class and are well-lit and ventilated.
The ship’s library and smoking rooms are also tastefully furnished and provide all up-to-date conveniences.

The Steamships Kensington and Southwark

The SS Kensington and SS Southwark are sister ships. However, they were built by different builders. The former was constructed by Messrs. James and George Thomson of Glasgow, and the latter was the product of the shipbuilding yards of William Denny & Bros. at Dumbarton.

Each of these twin-screw steamers of a beautiful model has four masts and a sizeable single funnel. Their construction is of the best steel, with double bottoms and longitudinal and transverse watertight compartments. Two sets of quadruple-expansion engines drive them at an average speed of about 14 1/2 knots and have proved most popular on the St. Lawrence route. The passenger accommodations are devoted to two classes of passengers only—viz., second and third class.

The second-class passengers are located in the very best section of the snip. The moderate rates of passage provide the best the ship offers, and passengers have the use of all the public rooms, promenade decks, etc., assuring every comfort. With maximum comfort and an excellent table, these moderate prices have made an enviable reputation for SS Kensington and SS Southwark.

The SS Kensington is 495 feet long, 57 feet wide, and 8,669 tons, while the SS Southwark is 495 feet long, 57 feet wide, and 8,607 tons.

The Steamship Ottawa

The fastest trips ever made between Montreal and Liverpool—both east and westbound—are those of the Dominion Line steamer Ottawa—less than seven days from quay to quay—over the beautiful St. Lawrence short-sea route, the time named including stops at intermediate points to embark or land passengers and cargo.

The great satisfaction expressed by the traveling public, as shown by their patronage of this staunch steamer, is a matter of congratulation to the Dominion Line. The SS Ottawa is 5,071 tons, 468 feet long, and 45 feet beam, and her accommodations are devoted entirely to passengers traveling in second and third-class, the same as upon the sister ships Kensington and Southwark. This enables passengers, at a moderate fare, to make the trans-Atlantic trip with every comfort, all privileges, and in the minimum time. The Ottawa has earned much popularity since entering the St. Lawrence Route.

The Steamship Vancouver

The SS Vancouver—one of the most comfortable and speedy vessels in this service—is a favorite with many travelers. This staunch ship was initially built in Glasgow by Connell & Company but has since been thoroughly over-hauled and refitted by Harland & Wolff.

At the same time, she was equipped with new engines of 5,000 horsepower, and the steamer herself is 448 feet long, has a breadth of beam of 46 feet, and registers a gross tonnage of 5,292 tons.

Besides being handsomely furnished, the dining saloon is spacious, well-lighted, and ventilated. The staterooms are on the saloon deck, with about twenty-five additional located on the bridge deck, where the Captain’s quarters and chart room are also found.

Many large cabins may be made en suite as occasion demands, and families are thus accommodated with the utmost facility. The ship is lighted by electricity, and her appointments are the best. The cuisine and service are kept up to a high standard of excellence.

The SS Vancouver carries passengers in second and third class only. Her promenade space is extensive for both classes, making outdoor pleasures exceptional.

The Steamship Cambroman

The SS Cambroman is practically the same size and type as the Vancouver and is a trim-looking vessel of 5,672 tons, 445 feet long, 46 feet breadth of beam, and about 30 feet depth.

The SS Cambroman was built at Birkenhead by Laird Brothers, and her record and reputation as a comfortable steamer in the Dominion Line have been excellent.

The Following Is A List Of The Steamers Comprising The Fleet :

These Steamers are fitted with Electric Light throughout, have Saloons and State Rooms, Music Rooms, Smoking Rooms, and Bath Rooms amidships, where the least motion is felt, are amongst the largest and finest afloat, and are well and favorably known for the comfort and excellent arrangements they afford for all classes of Passengers.

The Story of the Dominion Line - 1896

For many years after the introduction of iron screw steamships to the Atlantic trade, it was not supposed that they could compete successfully with sailing ships in the carriage of such bulky goods as raw cotton.

However, in 1870, a number of merchants engaged in the New Orleans trade with Liverpool resolved to make the attempt and formed the Mississippi and Dominion Steamship Company, Limited, under the management of Messrs. Flinn, Main & Montgomery, of Liverpool. They were to run to New Orleans in winter (calling on the outward voyage at Bordeaux, Lisbon, and Havana) and to Québec and Montréal in summer.

Their first boats, built in 1870, were the St. Louis, Vicksburg, and Memphis, all under 2000 tons gross. In 1871, they built the Mississippi, 2129 tons (now the Sicilia), and in 1872, the Texas, 2822 tons.

After a time, the directors abandoned the New Orleans trade and confined themselves to the Canadian trade, sailing to and from Portland, Maine, in winter. Thus, the boats became known as the Dominion Line.

Gradually, they sold the smaller boats and substituted larger ones, designed to carry large cargoes, with reasonable accommodation for passengers, and fitted with compound engines of moderate power. Being slower at first than the Allan boats, they were not as popular with passengers, but latterly, they became powerful competitors, both for goods and passengers, and two of their ships are about a match for the popular Parisian in terms of speed.

In 1874 they built the Dominion, 3176 tons, 350 H.P. nominal (335 x 38^4 x 32'5), and the Ontario, a sister ship, at Dumbarton; in 1879, the Montreal, 3300 tons, 375 H.P. (320 x 39 x 25); in 1880 the Toronto, 3316 tons, 375 H.P. (329'5 x 39' 3 X 25'2), at Whiteinch, and the Ottawa, a sister ship; and they bought from the Inman Company the SS City of Dublin (re-named the Quebec), and the SS City of Brooklyn (re-named the Brooklyn), 2911 tons and 450 H.P. nominal.

In 1882, they built the SS Sarnia, 3694 tons, 500 H.P. (360 x 40 x 32), at Whiteinch, and the SS Oregon, 3672 tons, a sister ship, also in 1883. These are two very fine boats of larger size and power, with midship saloons and staterooms.

But the line had its full share of misfortunes. The SS Vicksburg stranded below Green Island, in the St. Lawrence, in 1874. After a heavy repair, it struck field ice in the following spring (30 May) and sank with 40 to 50 passengers and crew, including her captain.
When leaving Quebec in 1876, the SS Quebec encountered two sailing ships. After a lengthy Admiralty lawsuit, the ship had to pay $30,000 in damages and heavy costs.

On 21 November 1880, the SS Ottawa struck the ground about 50 miles above Quebec and could not be rescued. Then, it gradually broke up. The SS Sarnia went ashore on Rathlin Island but came off and was repaired. The SS Brooklyn was wrecked on Anticosti. Happily, there was no loss of life in any but the Vicksburg.

Nothing discouraged, however. In 1883, the company contracted with Messrs. Connal & Co., of Glasgow, for a magnificent ship of over 5000 tons and good speed. Before she was completed, the company sold her to the Inman Company to replace the SS City of Rome, which was known as the SS City of Chicago. They once had been built by the same firm, the SS Vancouver, launched in 1884.

She is a magnificent and fast ship, 5149 tons gross and 2859 net (430 x 45 x 33). Her powerful compound engines, 1000 H.P. nominal, gave her an average speed of fully 14 knots at sea, placing her nearly on par with the SS Parisian. Their best passages showed only a difference of three or four hours.

Having splendid accommodations amidship, she soon became a great favorite with passengers. In August 1890, she carried 201 saloon passengers. In April 1893, she landed no less than 1340 in Halifax with 78 cabin passengers and 1262 steerage. However, she has had several accidents.

In August 1890, she struck an iceberg in fog near Belle Isle. Still, she got clear with minor damage, and in November, her popular commander, Captain Lindall, was swept overboard by a sea, together with a quartermaster, and both were drowned. In November 1894, her screw slipped when entering Lough Foyle, and she grounded on Lyle's Bank but sustained no damage and was towed to Liverpool.

As she never realized a rate of speed proportionate to her great power, in 1893, Messrs. Harland & Wolff gave her new engines and boilers of the latest type (triple cylinders), which, although of less nominal power than the original ones and consuming much less coal, gave her quite as much speed. Marine engines became obsolete so rapidly.

Misfortunes, however, continued. In August 1889, the SS Montreal was wrecked in a fog on the island of Belle Isle, but passengers and crew were saved. In 1890, the SS Idaho, a chartered boat, was wrecked on Anticosti with a very valuable cargo of grain, cheese, and cattle, but no lives were lost.

In 1891, the company launched from the yard of Harland & Wolff, Belfast, a magnificent new ship, the SS Labrador, 4737 tons gross, 2998 net (401 x 47 x 28'3), 650 H.P. nominal, 3800 indicated. Although less powerful, she exceeds the speed of the SS Vancouver, carrying a massive cargo of 5700 tons.

She has some novel arrangements, such as pipes for conveying fresh water to cattle, automatic ventilators that open in all weathers and others that supply fresh air to the 'tween decks by fans; steam pipes to each compartment for extinguishing fire, and refrigerating machinery for fresh beef, fruit, eggs, etc.

In the steerage, the canvas beds in a wood framework can be folded up during the day, and she is lighted throughout by electricity. So far, she has been very successful and has made some remarkable passages. In May 1894, she averaged 365 knots daily from Moville to Rimouski, or 15 knots.

In August, she ran from Moville to Rimouski in 6 days 8 hours, the quickest passage ever made. In December, she ran from Moville to Halifax in 6 days 12 hours, averaging 348 knots daily. Great work for a boat of such small power.

In addition to the Liverpool line, they now run one between Montreal and Avonmouth (Bristol). In 1893, the SS Nevada, 3617 tons, was bought at a very low price (said to be only £4500) from the Guion Company for this line and renamed the SS Hamilton.

All their boats, except the SS Vancouver, carry cattle, sheep, and horses. Moreover, to prevent useless competition, the Allan's agreed to share the small mail subsidy with the company, the SS Vancouver and SS Labrador carrying mail for two weeks out of every five.

The SS Sarnia has been particularly unfortunate. In March 1893, when bound from Liverpool to Halifax with 700 passengers, in longitude 44° W., the bearings of the after crankshaft broke; they were temporarily repaired at sea in six days, and she reached Halifax without assistance.

In August of the same year, she broke her shaft and was towed 1000 miles to Queenstown by the Allan steamship SS Monte Videan, and on 22 December 1894, she lost her rudder in lat. 550 N., and long. 12° W. After drifting for several days, helplessly, she was towed to Innstrahull by the Allan steamship SS Norwegian, thence to Belfast by tugs.

In May 1894, the Texas ran ashore near Cape Race in a fog and became a total wreck, but Captain Hunter was absolved from all blame by a court of inquiry. As a set-off against all these losses, the Oregon fell in with the SS Ethiopia of the Anchor Line, disabled and towed her to Ireland, and the Texas towed the Allan steamship Sardinian to Liverpool; the latter ship having lost her rudder, and the company thus earned considerable salvage.

In the fall of 1894, the managers of Messrs. Flinn, Main & Montgomery resigned. On 12 December, to the surprise of everyone outside the shareholders and directors, it was announced that all the boats had been sold to Messrs. Richards, Mills & Co., of Liverpool, at a great sacrifice.

The original £20 shares (afterwards reduced to £15) realized only £1 16s. 6d. per share, the buyers assume the company's liabilities. There are debentures to the extent of £78,000. Thus, over £400,000 sterling appears to have been lost by the extreme depression in ocean freights and other losses.

Bibliography

International Mercantile Marine Company, "Dominion Line Montreal-Quebec-Liverpool (Summer); Portland-Liverpool (Winter)," Facts For Travelers: American Line, Atlantic Transport Line, Dominion Line, Leyland Line, Red Star Line, White Star Line, 1908: P. 31-35

Fry, Henry, “Chapter XVI: The Dominion Line,” in The History of North Atlantic Steam Navigation with Some Account of Early Ships and Ship Owners, London: Sampson Low, Marston and Company, Ltd. (1896): P. 198-203.

Recap and Summary of the Dominion Line Archival Collection

The Dominion Line Archival Collection is a rich historical resource that provides insights into one of the most significant transatlantic steamship lines of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Dominion Line played a crucial role in transporting immigrants, cargo, and mail across the Atlantic, with key routes connecting Liverpool, Boston, Québec, and Montréal, as well as Naples to Boston. The collection covers passenger lists, brochures, advertising materials, and ship descriptions, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts.

This collection is particularly useful for:

• Teachers and Students – Provides primary source materials on transatlantic immigration, global commerce, and maritime innovation.
• Genealogists – Passenger lists offer essential information for tracing ancestors who immigrated to North America via the Dominion Line.
• Historians – A deep dive into steamship technology, ocean travel, and the economic impact of transatlantic shipping.
• Maritime Enthusiasts – Detailed descriptions of ships, accommodations, and onboard experiences.

Notable and Most Interesting Content

1. 1900 Brochure – "Dominion Line Book of Views"

Why it’s interesting: This illustrated brochure provides rare insights into the luxury, comfort, and accommodations on Dominion Line steamers.
Relevance: An excellent visual and descriptive record of what first, second, and third-class travel was like in the early 1900s.

2. Passenger Lists (1898-1909)

Why it’s interesting: Includes detailed transatlantic routes, ship commanders, and departure information for multiple ships.

Examples:

• SS Canada (1898) – Boston to Liverpool.
• SS New England (1899) – Liverpool to Boston.
• SS Vancouver (1903) – Naples to Boston via the Azores.
• SS Kensington (1906) – Liverpool to Halifax and Portland, ME.
• SS Dominion (1909) – Liverpool to Québec and Montréal.

Relevance: Crucial for genealogists and immigration historians tracing North American migration patterns.

3. The "St. Lawrence Route to Europe" (1908)

Why it’s interesting: This passage describes how travelers could avoid the rough North Atlantic for part of the voyage, making for a smoother journey.
Relevance: Highlights the strategic advantages of transatlantic routes via Québec and Montréal over Boston or New York.

4. The Steamship Fleet – Technological and Passenger Comfort Innovations

Why it’s interesting: The descriptions of the Dominion Line fleet show how steamship technology evolved, particularly in stability, accommodations, and speed.

Key ships and innovations:

• SS Canada (1896) – A 9000-ton twin-screw vessel, known for its speed and smooth crossings.
• SS Laurentic and SS Megantic (1908) – White Star Dominion Line’s largest and most modern ships, featuring turbine and reciprocating engines for greater efficiency.
• SS Kensington and SS Southwark – Affordable, well-appointed ships catering to second and third-class passengers.
• SS Ottawa – The fastest vessel on the Montreal-Liverpool route, completing crossings in less than seven days.

Relevance: An excellent source for maritime historians studying shipbuilding advancements and the evolution of transatlantic travel.

5. The Story of the Dominion Line (1896)

Why it’s interesting: Chronicles the company’s rise and fall, including key events such as:

• The transition from New Orleans to Canadian routes.
• Shipwrecks, financial struggles, and ownership changes.
• The sale of the line to Richards, Mills & Co. in 1894, marking the end of an era.

Relevance: A comprehensive case study in the challenges of running a transatlantic steamship company in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Final Thoughts

The Dominion Line Archival Collection offers a fascinating glimpse into transatlantic ocean travel, from immigrant voyages to luxurious crossings. Whether studying family history, maritime innovation, or the business of ocean liners, this collection provides valuable firsthand materials that bring the Golden Age of Steamships to life.