Not every immigrant into the United States filtered through New York City. Many did, but there were other ports of entry–both on the west and east coasts of the United States. There were immigrants who originally landed in Canada and crossed the border into the United States. My own forebears landed in New York, Baltimore, and New Orleans and one pair originally came to New Brunswick and crossed into the United States a few years later.
The initial point of arrival could have been impacted by the final destination within the United States. Most of my 19th century immigrants knew where they were headed: the rural upper Midwest. That impacted where they arrived.
You may have to get New York City out of your head to find your immigrant’s manifest entry.
5 Responses
Thank u, that is something I sometimes end up doing is getting an idea in my head over a relative, but when the information comes out different even with positive proof. It is hard to change that concept.
My ancestors from Germany, a couple different branches, came through Philadelphia and settled in Northampton County. Later they went west to Jefferson County PA.
Becky –
Mine were German-speaking French. 1750s-1820s+, Easton, Forks Township.
My relatives settled in the same area as some of yours … Adams & Hancock Counties of IL. I did find info that one relative came through New Orleans so I am sure many others did too. I tried a few years ago to find more information, but did not find anything. I have concentrated my efforts (as time allows) to find other documentation about my ancestors.
I have a few Ostfriesen families who arrived in New Orleans and came right to Adams County. Many of the others did come through New York, but were immediately headed to Hancock or Adams County. My Germans from southern Germany actually landed in Baltimore, but they made a pitstop in northern Kentucky.