- This was the most common route for Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, beginning in major ports like Rotterdam and traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to ports like Philadelphia.
- Journey could last several weeks, with overcrowded ships exposing passengers to diseases like smallpox and yellow fever.
2. From Rotterdam to London to Philadelphia:
- Some immigrants traveled from Rotterdam to London first and then took another ship to Philadelphia. This could be used to avoid direct crossings or make connections with other travelers.
3. via France and Spain to the West Indies and then to Philadelphia:
- A longer and less common route, some immigrants traveled from Rotterdam or other Dutch ports, possibly stopping in French or Spanish ports, and then crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean (West Indies).
- From there, they would sail north along the coast to ports like Philadelphia or New York.
4. via England to the American Colonies:
- A minority of immigrants traveled from Rotterdam or other Dutch ports to England, often London, where they would board ships to the American colonies, including Pennsylvania.
5. via Germany and Switzerland:
- A small number of Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants traveled overland from the Netherlands to Germany or Switzerland, joining groups of Mennonites or other Swiss Brethren, before setting sail for America.
6. via Germany to Rotterdam and then to Philadelphia:
- Other immigrants first sailed to Germany, usually Bremen or Hamburg, possibly for financial reasons or if those ports offered more convenient departures.
- They would then travel to Rotterdam before embarking for Pennsylvania.
