1663–1860: Slave voyages destined for mainland North America generally lasted longer and experienced higher shipboard mortality rates than those going to oth…

1663–1860: Slave voyages destined for mainland North America generally lasted longer and experienced higher shipboard mortality rates than those going to other New World regions. These extended travel times were often caused by vessels stopping at eastern Caribbean ports for provisions and the navigational challenges of moving between the southern and northern Atlantic current systems. Data indicates that while voyage length was a factor, the health of individuals at the initial point of embarkation was frequently a more decisive predictor of survival. Consequently, some longer voyages from regions like the Gold Coast recorded lower mortality rates than shorter trips from elsewhere.