Pennsylvania - Landing Reports of Aliens - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of reports of aliens arriving in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the years 1798 to 1828. The records correspond to NARA Publication M1639. The passenger lists are digital copies of the original records. Earlier records are handwritten pages; later records are usually handwritten on pre-printed pages. The records are arranged by the date of entry into port.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Landing reports
 * Name of immigrant
 * Place of birth
 * Date of birth
 * Age
 * Date of arrival
 * Port of departure
 * Port of arrival

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * At least one other piece of information

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the information to find other records such as a ship manifest
 * Learn foreign and “Americanized” names
 * Use the information to find additional family members in census records
 * Search for naturalization records
 * Search for land and probate records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby locality
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist.Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Pennsylvania.
 * Beginning Research in United States Immigration and Emigration Records
 * Pennsylvania Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Pennsylvania Research, 1880-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * United States District Court. Eastern District. Landing reports of aliens, 1798-1832
 * Michael Tepper, ed. Emigrants to Pennsylvania, 1641-1819 : a consolidation of ship passenger lists from the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, 1978 FS Library 974.8 W3t

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.