Great Lakes Passenger Lists

Part of the Michigan Family History Network

St. Alban's Border Crossings

People traveled through the Great Lakes on large ships, ferries and privately owned boats, according to their needs and what they could pay in the early time periods. 

Before the late 1800's registration was not a requirement when arriving at a port for passengers.  Lists before this time come from the company that owned the ship, if found.  Newspaper articles at ports are also a source for passenger lists.  Diaries and journals can be another source. There are a few sources that are available but not many.

In later years towards the 1900's things became more regulated and people had to be registered when arriving at a port.  This was done by the captain and called passenger list, or ship manifest.  The US federal government required them for ports on the Great Lakes starting in 1895.

The passenger lists can be viewed on what is called "St. Albans Border Crossings". These records have been microfilmed and are available at various research institutions. 

Ads like the above were common in newspapers, directories, fliers and posters.

The following lists are the complete set of St. Albans Border Crossings with ordering numbers from your local LDS Family History Center or from the National Archives Records and Administration in the USA.  Larger libraries may have the films on hand or will order for their patrons.