Dutch-American Emigration

Between 1840 and 1930, large numbers of Dutch citizens emigrated to the United States, with the peak occurring between 1840 and 1880. Even after World War II, many Dutch people continued to emigrate to America, although the numbers were significantly lower.

The main reasons for emigration during both periods were poverty, housing shortages, unemployment, fear of a new (Cold) war, and religious motivations. Most emigrants were in search of work and farmland, hoping to build a better future overseas.

In the Netherlands, emigrants mainly came from the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, Overijssel, Gelderland, Zeeland, North Holland, and South Holland. The journey across the Atlantic was typically made by ship. A major departure point was the Wilhelminakade in Rotterdam, where many emigrants boarded vessels operated by the Holland-America Line—a well-known shipping company at the time. Passenger lists from these voyages can still be found today and serve as a rich historical resource.

It’s difficult to determine exactly how many people emigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S. during these periods. However, estimates suggest that around 4 to 5 million people in the United States today are of Dutch descent. That’s roughly 1.5% of the total American population.