Journey from New York to Seattle in 1800: Challenges and Duration

Navigation from New York to Seattle in 1800 was a challenging and lengthy undertaking. Depending on various factors such as weather conditions, ship types, and routes chosen, the voyage could take anywhere from several months to over a year. This article delves into the complexities and potential durations of this historic journey.

Factors Influencing Transit Time

Several elements played a crucial role in determining the transit time from New York to Seattle in the early 19th century.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions were perhaps the most significant variable in the journey's duration. Storms, winds, and sea currents could significantly impact travel time. Unfavorable weather could delay or even stall progress.

Route Taken

Two primary routes existed for sailing from New York to the West Coast: the longer route around Cape Horn and the shorter, but potentially more hazardous, route through the Panama Isthmus.

Cape Horn Route: Navigating around the southern tip of South America involved a longer but safer route, often taking several months. Panama Route: This route involved crossing the Isthmus of Panama, which was more direct but carried risks such as disease and navigational challenges. It could potentially be completed in a shorter timeframe, sometimes even in as little as 21 days for a well-provisioned and weather-permitting journey.

Ship Type and Conditions

The speed and seaworthiness of the vessel, as well as the crew's experience, were critical components. A clipper ship, such as The Flying Cloud, was capable of making the journey with great speed, sometimes reducing the time to just 21 days. However, an old cargo ship could take several months due to its slower speed and potentially less favorable weather conditions.

Commercial shipping was largely dependent on favorable weather, with steam ships providing some relief by reducing dependence on weather patterns. However, steam ships were still valuable for their consistent performance, regardless of weather conditions.

Stops and Provisions

Ships often stopped at various ports for supplies, which could extend the journey. These stops were necessary to ensure the crew and passengers had adequate food, water, and medical supplies for the long journey.

Historical Voyages and Durations

Several historical voyages can provide insight into the average transit times and potential challenges faced during the journey from New York to Seattle.

Two Years Before the Mast by Henry Dana

Henry Dana, in his account of a voyage from Boston to California in 1834, describes a round-trip taking approximately two years. This included time spent sailing up and down the California coast.

Around the Horn: The Journal of a Voyage to San Francisco

A group of 49ers left Boston in February 1849 and reached San Francisco outside of the bay on August 20th, approximately six months later. This journey demonstrates the relative speed possible with favorable weather and conditions.

The Astoria Overseas Expedition

The Astoria expedition, departing from New York in September 1810, reached the mouth of the Columbia River in March 1811, again taking around six months.

Adding a bit of time for travel from San Francisco or Portland to Seattle, the overall journey would take around eight months, but with the challenges of navigating and the availability of Seattle as a destination, this timeline could be affected.

Challenges and the Unknown

It is essential to note that 'Seattle' as a settlement did not exist back then. Vast parts of the Pacific Northwest were unknown or underexplored. Native American villages and settlements were scattered and did not align with the modern concept of 'Seattle.'

For example, Captain Vancouver visited the area in 1792, but the account was not published until 1798, and even then, the information was in England. This delayed information made the journey even more daunting for early explorers.

Seattle, hidden behind Puget Sound, was not a clearly marked destination. Navigators would need an exceptional understanding of the coastline and navigational skills to reach this area. The lack of established routes and the presence of numerous islands and inlets made the journey challenging and perilous.

Conclusion

The journey from New York to Seattle in 1800 was a daunting task, characterized by long durations and numerous challenges. Weather, route choices, ship conditions, and unpredictable stops all contributed to the variable transit times. Understanding these factors provides valuable context for the historical significance and complexity of this voyage.