My mother, a 17-year old German immigrant, traveling by steamship (steerage class), arrived at Ellis Island in 1923 and then boarded a train to Eustis, Nebraska. I was told that in those days the train actually stopped in Eustis. Which train would she have taken (the Burlington Northern?), what would have been her route, i.e., where would she have had to change trains, and how long would the entire train trip have taken? She was poor and had only $25 upon arrival. I imagine she would have slept in her seat, and I am wondering what she would have eaten during her long train journey. ...
See the Official Guide of the Railways, 1921.
ReplyDeleteFrom: "Don Snoddy" ddsnoddy@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteShe would have taken the Chicago Burlington and Quincy from Chicago to Eustis. Many different ways to get to Chicago. She could buy food on the train for about $1 per day, or she could get a basket of food, or sandwiches, prior to getting on the train in New York, and then again at Chicago and Omaha if necessary. It would have taken no more than three days and nights.
—Don Snoddy
Here is a map of the Burlington Route.
ReplyDeleteSimilar question, but even further back....My ancestors landed in New York in 1873 and took the train to Fremont, Nebraska. Also wondering what railroad and route they would have taken, but don't know where to find this information. Any help would be appreciated. My e-mail: jen4_95@yahoo.com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRegarding rail travel from New York to Nebraska in 1873:
ReplyDeleteSee, Travelers' Official Railway Guide for the United States and Canada. June, 1870.
Route from New York to Chicago and beyond.
Leaving New York City by rail.