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From San Francisco to Sydney
From San Francisco to Sydney

From San Francisco to Sydney

Publisher (1876 - 1896)
Date1883
Object number00008746
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 408 x 177 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis engraving features various scenes on board a Pacific Company ship during the journey from San Francisco to Sydney. They include leaving the Golden Gate, looking at seal rocks, waving farewell, sailing in rough weather, sea sick passengers, the ringing of the dinner gong, Honolulu, the difficulties of dressing in rough swell, Auckland harbour, playing deck quiots, and a stregth competition. It accompanied an advertisment for the passage from San Francisco to Sydney on page 90 of the Illustrated Australian News: For a fine weather passage, that from the capital of California to Australia offers the greatest probability, and to those whose time is not limited there can be no more enjoyable route from the old country to the antipodes.HistoryTo emigrate or remain at home was a major decision faced by many families in the 19th century. In the United Kingdom and Ireland alone, these reasons included land clearance, famine, unemployment, the desire to get rich or the quest for political or religious freedom. The various Australian colonial governments also wanted immigrants to populate the new colony, support a sustainable economy and supply a labour force - even more important after the transportation of convicts stopped in 1868. During this period illustrated weekly magazines became increasingly popular in Europe and America. They contained numerous illustrations and articles on politics, war, travel, exploration, fine arts, science and literature. The coverage of the Gold rush was a popular story in America, Australia and England as many people were interested in seeking their fortune on the gold diggings.SignificanceThis engraving highlights the activities and experiences of passengers on board ships from San Francisco to Sydney in the 1880s.