The Journey to America
For a young person in the 19th century seeking to immigrate to the United States from Viniani, the journey was long, daunting, and demanding of courage in the face of uncertainty.
But what lead many of them to take that journey, and what did it look like?
The Nea Hellas
Photo credit: Greek Shipping Miracle
In the late 19th century, Greece found itself beset by both economic and geopolitical turmoil. Dramatic shifts in world climate and increased agricultural competition with France severely weakened Greece’s economy, which ultimately led to the nation declaring bankruptcy in 1893. What followed was a period of regional instability that was further compounded by successive wars, including World War I, World War II, and the Greek Civil War. Faced with dwindling prospects, many Greeks chose to migrate in order to improve their livelihoods and escape the many conflicts that had engulfed their homeland.
Driven by economic crisis and a desire to support family back home, a typical traveler (usually a young male) would make the difficult decision to leave their homeland and venture out to a new and unfamiliar world. Our ancestors had to make their way from Viniani to an international port such as Patra, or Piraeus, which most of the Greeks from central Greece departed from. They made the arduous journey through the difficult Greek mountains, either on foot or astride mules. The families had to find a way to send a loved one to America by any means necessary, and many of them had to make great financial and personal sacrifices.
Some made the journey alone. Others went in the company of family or close friends. But in such a small and close-knit community, each and every absence was felt.
One of the most touching (and heart-breaking) incidents of immigration from the village as recounted by a vinianite in the 1950’s saw a group of eleven young men electing to leave all at once. All of the vinianites gathered at an outlying path at the edge of the village. Beyond it lay the stone bridge that stretched across the Megdova, and beyond that, Karpenisi─the first milestone in their greater journey. Many tears were shed as the families─making the sign of the cross in fervent prayer for their safe journey─bid them farewell, knowing that some of their sons would never return.
The journey from Greece to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was harrowing, sometimes taking up to four weeks to conclude.
A typical “steerage” (third class) ticket cost about $25.00, nearly $600.00 in today’s currency when adjusted for inflation. Most travelers stayed in the lower decks (steerage), which were overcrowded and unsanitary. There was little fresh air, and seasickness was very common with the conditions being very poor with minimal accommodations. Those who could afford first or second class enjoyed more comfortable conditions. The majority of Greek immigrants entered through the Port of New York and were processed at Ellis Island.
The Statue of Liberty
Photo credit: commonwealmagazine.org
Upon arrival, they underwent medical and legal examinations that lasted from 3-7 hours. This was an anxious time for them as failing health checks could mean being turned back. Once the process was completed, the ship approached Ellis Island where passengers disembarked and collected their belongings. It was often days before they were served due to excessive crowds.
After their final inspection they were moved to the registration hall where they were asked personal and financial questions. Sometimes they used information from the ship manifests which were completed at the port where they embarked on their journey. If everything was fine, they received a disembarkation card and proceeded to their destination.
Even so, the end of that journey only marked the beginning of another─of a new life in which success was not guaranteed, hard work was the only certain path to happiness, and the American dream was earned rather than given.