The National Line, formally named the National Steam Navigation Company, was a British passenger line that operated steamship service in the

North Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, with an area of about . It covers approximately 17% of Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the Age of Discovery, it was known for se ...

in the late 19th century. The company was founded in 1863, with the intention of serving the southern United States when it appeared that the Confederacy would win the

Civil War A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...

and secede, as the Confederate states had a substantial cotton trade with Britain. After the Union victory, National quickly changed course and focused on carrying lower-class passengers and cargo on the traditional Atlantic route to

New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...

, initially from

Liverpool Liverpool is a port City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England. It is situated on the eastern side of the River Mersey, Mersey Estuary, near the Irish Sea, north-west of London. With a population ...

and later from

London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...

as well. The line was successful for a time, paying a £120,000 dividend in 1869 and expanding its fleet to twelve ships by 1871. By the late 1800s, however, business had declined, and it discontinued its regular New York service in 1892. National was later purchased by the Atlantic Transport Line and operated freight services only in the later part of its life until it was liquidated in 1914.

References

{{Reflist British companies established in 1863 Shipping companies of England Transatlantic shipping companies Transport companies disestablished in 1914 Transport companies established in 1863