The first independent American ship to connect the new United States to Asian markets with its first trading voyage from New York to Canton, China. Previously, under British imperial rule, all of New York’s trade to the Far East had been carried on English ships and funneled through English ports like London or Liverpool. With independence secured at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, New York merchants looked to move out from under the imperial umbrella and go it on their own.
The 1784 Empress of China mission marked New York’s entry as an independent player onto global trade markets. The initial voyage proved to be a tremendous commercial success, carrying large quantities of ginseng from the American backcountry to China, and valuable Chinese porcelain ware back to New York.
Started, Feb 22, 1784
The first American merchant vessel to enter Chinese waters left New York harbor on Washington's birthday. The Empress carried cargoes worth $120,000 including lead, 2,600 animal skins, fine camel cloth, cotton, Spanish silver coins, and a few barrels of pepper. The ship also carried 30 tons of ginseng root.
Arrived, May 11, 1785
The Empress returned to New York on May 11, 1785 after a round voyage of 14 months and 24 days.She carried a return cargo of 800 chests of tea, 20,000 pairs of nankeen trousers and a huge quantity of porcelain.