The Black Ball Line was the first and most famous line of American packet-ships to run between New York and Liverpool. Starting in 1816, these small ships (300 to 500 tons), were for many years the most direct means of communication between North America and Europe. Ships left New York on the first and sixteenth of each month, averaging three weeks out and six weeks home. The line developed a reputation among sailors for the tight discipline necessary to maintain such strict deadlines.
