A. Anderson Shipyard in Marine City, Michigan

The A. Anderson Shipyard in Marine City, Michigan was an important shipbuilding facility on the Great Lakes, especially known for producing a variety of ships including steamships, propellers, and cargo vessels, including several notable vessels. Here’s an overview of the shipyard:

A. Anderson Shipyard – Overview

Location:  Marine City, Michigan – Situated on the St. Clair River, this location gave the shipyard strategic access to both Lake Huron and the broader Great Lakes shipping network.

History & Operations:

Shipyard Founder: The shipyard was founded by A. Anderson, a prominent shipbuilder and businessman who contributed to the growth of Michigan’s maritime industry. 

Vessel Types Built: The shipyard produced a wide range of vessels, including wooden steamers, propellers, bulk freighters, and passenger ships. Some of these ships were purpose-built for cargo, while others were designed for passenger service.

Construction Years: The shipyard was particularly active from the late 19th century through the early 20th century.

Renown for: One of the shipyard’s standout contributions was its construction of self-unloading bulk carriers and high-quality propellers. The yard played a pivotal role in Michigan’s maritime economy during its peak years.

Notable Vessels Built by A. Anderson Shipyard

• SWIFT (1893, A. Anderson Shipyard)  Type: Propeller, wood, bulk freight Specs: 192x37x14, 886g 712n Loss Date: 1935, December 5Loss Type: Fire at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Details: Built in 1893 at A. Anderson Shipyard in Marine City, Michigan, the SWIFT was a bulk freight vessel that suffered a fire while being laid up for the winter at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The ship was destroyed, and this marked the end of its service.
• Built in 1866 by C.E. Owen in Algonac, Michigan, the SAILOR BOY was characteristic of scow-schooners of her time. Measuring 75 feet in length with a 21-foot beam and a 7-foot draft, she was designed for hauling heavy, low-value bulk cargo such as wood, lumber, stone, or coal. The flat-bottomed hull design allowed the vessel to operate efficiently in shallow waters and to be easily beached for loading and unloading cargo—common in ports without developed dock facilities. The SAILOR BOY’s two-masted schooner rig provided straightforward sail handling, often managed by a small crew, which helped reduce operating costs.

Contributions of A. Anderson Shipyard:

• Self-Unloading Ships: A. Anderson helped pioneer the construction of self-unloading ships that revolutionized the bulk freight industry on the Great Lakes.
• Design Innovations: The shipyard also contributed to advances in ship design, focusing on both cargo efficiency and durability suited for the harsh Great Lakes environment.
• Legacy: While the shipyard no longer operates, its contributions to the Great Lakes’ maritime history are significant. Many of its ships served for decades, transporting vital goods across the lakes.

Conclusion:

The A. Anderson Shipyard in Marine City, Michigan was a vital part of Michigan’s maritime history, contributing significantly to the shipbuilding industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It built a variety of vessels, including bulk freighters, steamships, and self-unloading ships, which played an important role in Great Lakes shipping. The legacy of vessels like the SWIFT illustrates the pivotal role of Michigan’s shipyards in the development of the region’s commercial maritime capabilities.