Mimosa (ship) facts for kids
 |
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | Mimosa |
| Owner | Robert Vining, William Killey, Liverpool; Daniel Green |
| Builder | Alexander Hall and Sons, Aberdeen |
| Cost | £5,916 |
| Launched | 21 June 1853 |
| Fate | Hulked; lost at New Calabar. |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 447 tons NM, 540 tons OM |
| Length | 139.9 ft (42.6 m) |
| Beam | 25.5 ft (7.8 m) |
| Depth of hold | 15.6 ft (4.8 m) |
| Sail plan | Ship rigged, 3 masts |
The Mimosa was a famous clipper ship. It is best known for carrying the first group of Welsh people who moved to South America in 1865. This journey was a big step for them to start a new life and keep their Welsh language and culture alive.
Contents
The Mimosa Ship: A Journey to a New Home
The Mimosa was built in 1853 in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was originally a cargo ship, not designed for passengers. However, it was changed to carry people for this special journey. The cost to get the ship ready and stocked with supplies was £2,500. Each adult passenger paid £12, and children paid £6 for the trip.
Preparing for the Big Trip
Before the voyage, the Welsh families gathered in different towns. These included Aberdare, Birkenhead, and Mountain Ash. They prepared for the long journey ahead.
Sailing to Patagonia
The Mimosa left Liverpool, England, on May 28, 1865. It carried about 153 passengers and a crew of 18. Captain George Pepperell was in charge of the ship. Dr. Thomas Greene, from Ireland, was the ship's doctor.
The journey ended on July 28, 1865, when they landed in Patagonia, South America. They named their landing spot Porth Madryn. Two men, Edwyn Cynrig Roberts and Lewis Jones, were already there. They had arrived in June 1865 to get things ready for the settlers.
Why They Moved: A Welsh Colony
The main goal of these settlers was to create a Welsh colony. They wanted to protect their Welsh language and traditions. The chosen area for their new home was in the Chubut River valley. On September 15, 1865, they named their first town Rawson. Later, they built other settlements like Gaiman and Trelew.
The Welsh Settlers: Building a New Life
It's hard to know the exact number of people who sailed on the Mimosa. Many original records were lost in a big flood in 1899. However, the Argentine government gave the Welsh settlers ownership of their land in 1875. This encouraged many more people from Wales to join the colony.
Today, about 50,000 people in Patagonia have Welsh ancestors. Around 5,000 of them still speak Welsh. This Welsh-Argentine community is known as Y Wladfa. It is still centered around the towns of Gaiman, Trelew, and Trevelin.
Images for kids
-
Catherine Davies and her children, who sailed on the Mimosa.
See also
- Welsh Tract
- Welsh colonization of the Americas
