Leaving Home

Leaving Home
A the shipping trade developed most of the cargoes going from America to Europe were bulky - lumber, raw wool, tobacco, etc. Cargoes from Europe to America were lighter - finished cloth, spices, etc. Consequently, the shipping companies found themselves with cargo space on the west bound voyage. The solution was to carry human cargo and the major companies advertised their fares in many cities and towns throughout Europe.
The first step was getting from the village or town of origin to a major port. This leg of the journey was often done on foot. Once the port was reached a potential emigrant may have spent some time in the port area before actually shipping out. Major ports were: Bremerhaven and Hanover in Germany, Liverpool in England, Queenstown in Ireland, Naples in Italy, La Havre in France. Contrary to what might be expected not all Germans went out of the German ports. Some took passage to Liverpool or Queenstown and left from there. Conversely some Irish and English left from the German ports.
Consequently, the first step of the journey could take quite some time.