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From: "D Sheehan" <>
Subject: [NY IRISH] Entry through Plattsburgh
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2002 11:24:10 -0500


Concerning entry to the US through Plattsburgh: Because passage to Canada was cheaper than passage to New York, many Irish did enter the US via Plattsburgh. That means that the ship passenger lists should be found in Montreal, Quebec. They do not begin until about 1900. Furthermore, the US-Canadian border was completely open until the mid-1890s. Prior to that, there are no records of entry. If the immigrant ancestor came to the US prior to 1900, the chances of finding any information are slim.

Gr-grandfather James Sheehan entered the US on foot. He and a group of single men arrived in Quebec in the late 1840s, pooled their money to buy a horse and wagon, loaded up their meager belongings on the wagon, and walked across the border into the US. We know this only through family stories. Despite years of researching, I've been unable to document anything.

If anyone has any suggestions on finding information, please share with this list,

Doris Sheehan
Willsboro, NY on the banks of beautiful Lake Champlain



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