Asa Wilcox – New York

Asa Wilcox – Overview

Asa Wilcox, a prominent shipbuilder and entrepreneur, was based in Three Mile Bay, New York, during the mid-19th century. Known for his expertise in wooden shipbuilding, Wilcox played a significant role in the maritime economy of Lake Ontario, particularly in constructing schooners, barges, and other vessels used for commerce and trade along the Great Lakes.

Historical Background

Three Mile Bay, located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario near Chaumont Bay, was an ideal location for shipbuilding during the 19th century. Its proximity to abundant timber resources and its access to the lake made it a hub for maritime activity. Asa Wilcox established a shipyard there, building vessels primarily used for cargo transport, including agricultural goods, timber, and other resources.

Wilcox’s shipyard became well-regarded for producing sturdy, reliable schooners, which were the workhorses of the Great Lakes during this era. His vessels were integral to supporting the booming trade between New York State, Ontario, and other Great Lakes ports.

Notable Vessels

• American was a typical wooden schooner of the 19th century, designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Built by Asa Wilcox in Three Mile Bay, New York, in 1870, this type of vessel was crucial in supporting the industrial demands of the era, frequently carrying coal, timber, and other essential commodities. Schooners like the AMERICAN were known for their durability and sailing capability, able to navigate the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes with large sails and a robust wooden hull.
• Armada was built by Asa Wilcox in Sackett’s Harbor, New York, an important shipbuilding center on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario. Initially launched as a schooner, the vessel served in this capacity for over a decade before being rebuilt in 1858. During this rebuild, it was converted into a barge, a common practice at the time to maximize cargo capacity as steam-powered tugs began to dominate Great Lakes transportation.
• Hampton was a large wooden brig, built in 1845 at Three Mile Bay, New York, by Asa Wilcox. At the time of her launch, she was considered one of the largest vessels on the Great Lakes, serving primarily as a cargo carrier for the lumber trade.
• Hungarian was built in 1853 by Asa Wilcox in Three Mile Bay, New York, a region known for its Great Lakes shipbuilding. The vessel was initially configured as a bark, a sailing ship with three or more masts, but by 1871 it had been rebuilt and converted into a schooner, reflecting the adaptability required to extend the operational life of older ships.
• Moses And Elias was a wooden schooner, designed for general cargo transport. Schooners like this were the workhorses of the Great Lakes, used to carry lumber, grain, coal, salt, and other bulk goods between ports in New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario. Built in Chaumont, New York, the vessel operated primarily out of Oswego, one of the most important early Great Lakes ports, connecting Lake Ontario with the Erie Canal and Atlantic trade routes
• Rio Grande was originally built as a two-masted schooner, one of the most common types of sailing vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their speed, maneuverability, and efficiency in carrying bulk cargo like grain, lumber, and coal.

Impact on Maritime Economy

Wilcox’s shipyard was not only an important local employer but also a critical part of the infrastructure supporting Great Lakes trade in the 19th century. His work exemplified the region’s reliance on maritime transport before the expansion of railroads and modern infrastructure.

Legacy

Although Asa Wilcox’s shipyard ceased operations by the late 19th century due to the decline in wooden shipbuilding and the rise of steel-hulled ships, his contributions to the maritime heritage of the Three Mile Bay area remain significant. His work helped shape the local economy and left a lasting impression on the shipbuilding history of Lake Ontario.

Resources and Further Reading

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Shipwrecks and Great Lakes Heritage: 3dshipwrecks.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Local History Archives: Jefferson County Historical Society in Watertown, New York