Inman Line offers steerage passage to the United States by steamer

Background. The Inman Line was one of the three largest 19th-century British passenger shipping companies on the North Atlantic, alongside the White Star Line and Cunard Line. Founded in 1850, it pioneered iron-hulled screw-propelled ships such as the City of Glasgow, replacing wood-hulled paddle steamers. The Richardsons, Irish Quakers, were concerned about the poor conditions experienced by U.S.-bound emigrants, who traveled by sailing ship with unpredictable passage times.

Steerage Innovation. In 1852, the Inman Line broke new ground by transporting steerage passengers under steam. This innovation allowed for better steerage quarters and the provision of cooked meals, as recommended by a Parliamentary Committee. Consequently, Inman could charge higher steerage rates of 8 guineas, compared to 4 to 6 guineas for the fastest sailing packets.

Company Structure. The firm's formal name for much of its history was the Liverpool, Philadelphia and New York Steamship Company, though it was also known as the Liverpool and Philadelphia Steamship Company. In 1850, Inman persuaded his partners to form this company and purchase the advanced new ship, City of Glasgow, which departed for Philadelphia on 17 December 1850.