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Passenger rosters are vital historical records documenting the arrival of thousands who migrated to the United States during the 1800s. This organized and searchable index provides detailed information on about 258,000 individuals who landed in New Orleans between 1820 and 1850.
To regulate passenger travel and address overcrowding on ships, Congress passed a law on March 2, 1819 (3 Stat. 489). This legislation required shipmasters arriving from foreign ports to submit a full list of passengers to the local customs collector. These officials then sent quarterly copies of the lists to the Secretary of State, who reported the data to Congress. The compiled information was later published as official Congressional documents.
These rosters remain some of the most valuable original immigration records available today. They provide insight into early U.S. immigration patterns, ship routes, and the people who helped shape the growing nation during the 19th century.