Shropshire Routes to Roots

2. Arriving in America

Source

November 24 1850

The day I landed in New York of the vessel I had to borrow a shilling to go to the shore with and then I pledged my watch and guns and some clothes for 10 Dollars and then I paid back the shilling that I had borrowed the 10 Dollars paid my board 2 weeks and I traveled miles from one work to another and then it carried me to Philadelphia I could not succeed then and I left Philadelphia and started the walk 310 miles with one shilling in my pocket and that paid for my supper bed and breakfast and then traveled the 310 miles and begged every meal that I had and slept in barns and anywhere that I could get.and now I have property that as cost me some 2500 Dollars and I would not take 5000 Dollars for it now

[Shropshire Archive reference: 4543/5/3]

Questions

1. What was the first thing John Barnaby had to do when he landed in New York?
2. Describe what he did next in New York?
3. After travelling around looking for work, where did John Barnaby end up?
4. How much money did he have at this point?
5. How far did he then travel?
6. How much did the property he owns now cost him?

Background: People and Land

From 1812 to 1852, the land available for settlement in America increased to almost the size of the European continent - from 1,700,000 to almost 3,000,000 square miles. America covered a massive area, but was empty of people. However, driven by the promise of cheap land and discontent with the state of Europe, massive immigration began, with people arriving (often in New York) from all over Europe. From 1812 to 1852, the population increased 7,250,000 to over 23,000,000. America's economy - agriculture, manufacturing and industry - boomed, driven by waves of labour and the building of new railroads which linked west to east.
However, upon arrival in America most settlers were forced to fend for themselves, often starting with little or no money. The idea that someone with few possessions could, through hard work, become prosperous was a hope known as the "American Dream".

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