History of North America

How much did it cost to travel from England Colonial America in 1750?

In 1750, the estimated cost of a one-way voyage from England Colonial America ranged between £5 to £15 (British pounds). This cost primarily covered passage on a merchant vessel, which could take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks** to complete the transatlantic journey.

It's important to note that these prices are rough estimates and could vary depending on the ship, the time of year, and other factors. Additionally, passengers often had to pay extra fees for provisions and other necessities during the journey.

Here's a breakdown of some additional expenses that travelers might incur:

* Food and Drink: Passengers were typically responsible for bringing their own food and drink on board, or they could purchase provisions from the ship's stores at an additional cost.

* Luggage: Passengers were allowed a certain amount of luggage, but excess weight could incur additional fees.

* Cabin Space: While some ships offered private cabins, these were usually more expensive than shared accommodations like steerage or hammocks.

* Medical Services: If a passenger fell ill during the journey, they might incur additional charges for medical care provided by the ship's surgeon.

Due to the high costs and challenging conditions of the transatlantic voyage, many people traveled to the American colonies as indentured servants. By signing an indenture contract, individuals agreed to work for a period of time (usually 4-7 years) in exchange for their passage to America.

Overall, traveling from England to the American colonies in the 18th century was a costly and arduous endeavor that required significant financial resources and personal sacrifices.