Port City Collection (#4)

A Port City: Where History and Diversity Meet From the Rock of Gibraltar, a symbol of British Empire's might, to the bustling harbor of Seattle in the late 19th century

Port City Collection: Antwerp welcoming the German prince and princess after their marriage, 1858

Antwerp welcoming the German prince and princess after their marriage, 1858
Prince Frederick William and his bride, Princess Victoria Adelaide, afterward emperor and empress of Germany, arriving in Antwerp, 1858. Color lithograph

HUSG2A-00006
German emigrants for New York embarking on Hamburg steamer. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

GCAN2A-00001
Deportation of the Acadians by the British, 1755. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

HUSG2A-00017
Immigrants arriving as contract laborers in an American port citiy, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

A Port City: Where History and Diversity Meet From the Rock of Gibraltar, a symbol of British Empire's might, to the bustling harbor of Seattle in the late 19th century, port cities have always been gateways to adventure and opportunity. These vibrant hubs have witnessed countless tales unfold on their shores. In ancient times, Phoenician traders navigated treacherous waters to reach prosperous ports that promised wealth and exotic goods. Men would eagerly go ashore from their sailing ships, braving unknown lands in search of new beginnings. New Archangel, once a Russian town nestled in Alaska but now known as Sitka, tells a story of exploration and conquest. Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island around 1900 found themselves in a waiting room filled with hope for a better future. Ponce in Puerto Rico during the 1890s exuded charm with its colonial architecture while Seville's Golden Tower stood tall as an emblem of Spain's rich maritime history. In Ketchikan, Alaska, flightseeing over Misty Fjords offered breathtaking views that reminded visitors why nature is worth preserving. The cotton-loaded steamboats lining New Orleans' riverbanks were stark reminders of America's painful past - black slaves working tirelessly to fuel economic growth. Meanwhile, Erie Canal boats wintering in New York Harbor showcased the importance of waterways for trade and transportation. As day turned into night at Piraeus' Peace and Friendship Stadium against a stunning sunset backdrop, Greece celebrated its enduring legacy as one of the world's oldest port cities. Here too lies evidence that these bustling centers are not just about commerce; they are places where cultures intertwine and friendships blossom. Port cities embody diversity - melting pots where people from all walks of life converge. They serve as bridges between nations and continents; windows into different eras woven together by common threads: ambition, resilience, and dreams yet unfulfilled.