The Atlantic Transport Line, 1881-1931: A History with Details on All Ships

Jonathan Kinghorn

Jan 2012 · McFarland

About this ebook

In 1881, the dynamic Baltimorean Bernard N. Baker established the Atlantic Transport Line, an American-owned but British-operated steamship company with service from London to New York that became famous for shipping expensive livestock and for carrying only first-class passengers. Although moderately sized, the company remained a significant presence in international shipping until World War I caused major business disruptions, followed by changed priorities during peacetime. Finally, the Great Depression led to its closure.

This volume chronicles the history of the line and its absorption into J.P. Morgan's gargantuan and ill-conceived International Mercantile Marine Company against the background of efforts to revive the American mercantile marine. Descriptions of life on board Atlantic Transport Line vessels, individual histories of every vessel owned by the line, and biographies of key figures associated with the company make this the most complete account of this important player in the history of American trade.

About the author

Jonathan Kinghorn served as a senior regional curator for English Heritage, responsible for collections at more than 50 historic sites in Britain. He now lives in Lexington, Massachusetts, and works as a writer, editor, and content manager for corporate websites. His great-grandfather was the engineering superintendent for the Atlantic Transport Line and responsible for the mechanical operation of the entire fleet.