Steerage is a term used to describe the lowest section of a ship, historically known for accommodating the cheapest passenger class. This area was located below deck, often near the cargo holds, and was used primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries to transport immigrants and low-income travelers across the ocean.
Understanding where steerage was located and what conditions were like can give insight into the hardships faced by travelers, especially those who journeyed to the United States, Canada, and Australia in search of a better life.
Where Is Steerage Located on a Ship?
Steerage is located in the lower decks of a ship, often near the waterline or in the aft (rear) section of the vessel. It was positioned below the main passenger decks, directly above the cargo hold in many cases.
Typical Location of Steerage on Different Ships
- Sailing Ships (Early 19th Century) – Steerage was located in the lowest deck, often next to cargo storage.
- Steamships (Late 19th – Early 20th Century) – Steerage was placed in the lower decks but separated from engine rooms and crew quarters.
- Modern Cruise Ships – Traditional steerage no longer exists, but the concept survives in the form of economy cabins or third-class accommodations.
Why Was Steerage Called ‘Steerage’?
The term “steerage” comes from the nautical term for steering. Originally, this section of the ship was near the rudder and steering mechanisms, where lower-class passengers were kept. Over time, it became associated with the cheapest, least comfortable accommodations on passenger ships.
What Were Conditions Like in Steerage?
Steerage class was known for cramped, unsanitary, and uncomfortable conditions. Since this area was designed to carry the largest number of passengers at the lowest cost, amenities were minimal.
1. Crowded Sleeping Arrangements
Passengers in steerage slept in bunk beds or hammocks, often stacked in rows of three or four. Space was extremely limited, and privacy was nonexistent.
2. Poor Ventilation
Since steerage was below deck, fresh air was scarce. Many ships had small portholes or air vents, but they were often closed during rough weather, leading to stuffy and uncomfortable conditions.
3. Limited Hygiene and Sanitation
There were only a few shared bathrooms, and clean water was rationed. Passengers had to bring their own bedding and utensils, and illnesses spread easily due to the lack of medical care and poor hygiene.
4. Basic and Unappetizing Food
Meals in steerage were simple and repetitive, consisting mostly of bread, potatoes, beans, and salted meat. There was little variety, and passengers often had to bring their own food supplies for long voyages.
5. High Risk of Disease
Due to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and limited sanitation, steerage passengers were highly susceptible to illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and influenza. Many ships had outbreaks that resulted in high mortality rates.
Why Did People Travel in Steerage?
Despite the harsh conditions, steerage was the only affordable option for many people, particularly immigrants traveling to North America and Australia.
1. Immigration and the American Dream
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Europeans traveled in steerage to reach the United States, passing through Ellis Island in New York. They were escaping poverty, war, and political instability in search of a better life.
2. Cheap Travel for the Working Class
Many workers, including miners, factory laborers, and farmhands, used steerage to travel for employment opportunities. It was the most affordable way to reach new job markets.
3. Limited Travel Alternatives
Air travel was not yet developed, and second-class and first-class tickets were too expensive for most people. Steerage was often the only choice for those with limited financial means.
Steerage on Famous Ships
Several famous ships carried large numbers of steerage passengers, each with unique stories.
1. RMS Titanic (1912)
The Titanic had a large steerage section, with over 700 third-class passengers. While the ship offered slightly better accommodations than most, steerage passengers had the highest mortality rate when the ship sank.
2. RMS Lusitania (1915)
A luxury ocean liner, the Lusitania also had a steerage class. When the ship was sunk by a German U-boat, many steerage passengers were trapped in the lower decks.
3. SS Great Western (1838)
One of the first steam-powered ocean liners, this ship transported steerage passengers between England and the United States. It was faster than sailing ships but still had poor conditions for those in steerage.
How Did Steerage Change Over Time?
By the early 20th century, steerage conditions improved due to stricter regulations and new ship designs.
1. Government Regulations
- The U.S. Steerage Act of 1819 required ships to provide minimum space and sanitation standards.
- Later laws limited overcrowding and improved medical inspections.
2. Transition to Third-Class Travel
By the 1920s and 1930s, traditional steerage evolved into third-class travel, which offered better food, cleaner conditions, and improved ventilation.
3. End of Steerage on Passenger Ships
With the rise of air travel in the mid-20th century, steerage disappeared as more people could afford airplane tickets. By the 1950s, most passenger ships no longer had steerage sections.
Steerage on Modern Ships
Today, steerage no longer exists in its historical form, but there are still lower-class accommodations on modern cruise ships and ferries.
1. Economy Cabins on Cruise Ships
- Cruise ships have budget-friendly cabins with smaller spaces and fewer amenities.
- These are usually located on lower decks, near the engine rooms.
2. Bunk-Style Sleeping on Ferries
- Some long-distance ferries offer bunk-style accommodations similar to old steerage layouts.
- These are commonly used on overnight ferry routes in Europe and Asia.
The Legacy of Steerage
Steerage played a crucial role in global migration, helping millions of people start new lives in foreign lands. While conditions were harsh, it provided an affordable way to travel across oceans.
Today, while steerage no longer exists in the same form, its history remains a significant part of maritime travel. Modern cruise ships and ferries offer budget-friendly options, but they are far more comfortable than the steerage experiences of the past.
Understanding where steerage was located on ships and the challenges faced by steerage passengers gives us a deeper appreciation of how immigration and travel evolved over time.
