Palatine Migration

The Platinate is an historical region located in what is now south-western Germany, and the term “Palatine” came to be applied to German emigrants from this and surrounding areas, including Alsace and parts of modern-day Switzerland. During various wars of 17th and early 18th century, this once prosperous region experienced significant destruction from invading and occupying forces, leading to widespread hardship that was compounded by religious persecution, oppressive taxation and harsh weather. As a consequence, many people left this area hoping to find a better life in England or North America. This migration was encouraged in some quarters, motivated by a combination of humanitarian, religious, political and economic motives. However, the arrival of large numbers of distressed immigrants often overwhelmed what plans there were to provide for them. The result was political backlash, hostility, and relocations (sometimes forced, sometimes voluntary) of the Palantines until they were able to find a place of acceptance and opportunity. For many, that place was in Pennsylvania.

The full story of the Palatine Migration is long and complex. There are good discussions elsewhere, and the Further Readings below provide a starting place for those who wish to learn more.

Further Reading

Links to online information about the Palatine immigrants to America:

1) Rupp I. D.(1876). A collection of upwards of thirty thousand names of German, Swiss, Dutch, French and other immigrants in Pennsylvania from 1727-1776 : with a statement of the names of ships whence they sailed and the date of their arrival at Philadelphia, chronologically arranged, together with the necessary historical and other notes, also, an appendix containing lists of more than one thousand German and French names in New York prior to 1712 (2d rev. and enl. ed. with German translation). IG. Kohler.