Benjamin S. Goodsell – Shipbuilder of Huron, Ohio

Benjamin S. Goodsell was a prominent shipbuilder in Huron, Ohio, during the mid-19th century, known for his contributions to the development of Great Lakes vessels. Operating in a key location on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Goodsell played an important role in the construction of wooden steamers and other types of ships that supported the growing demand for maritime transport in the Great Lakes region.

Contributions to Great Lakes Shipbuilding

Goodsell’s work was emblematic of the burgeoning shipbuilding industry along Lake Erie. This era saw rapid advancements in vessel technology, and shipyards in Huron, Ohio, and other lake ports focused on constructing vessels capable of both cargo and passenger transport. The vessels built by Goodsell, including the sidewheel steamer Columbus, were central to expanding trade routes and meeting the needs of both commercial and passenger transportation.

The Columbus (1835)

One of Goodsell’s most notable vessels was the sidewheel steamer Columbus, built in 1835. At 131 feet in length and with a gross tonnage of 391, the Columbus was among the larger vessels of its time and represented the cutting-edge technology of wooden steamers. The Columbus was a sidewheel steamer—a design that used large paddle wheels on each side of the hull for propulsion, suitable for navigating the often choppy waters of Lake Erie.

The Columbus served under various owners, initially Augustus Walker and partners from Cleveland, Ohio, and played a vital role in cargo and passenger transport across Lake Erie. Goodsell’s construction of the Columbus and similar vessels contributed to Huron’s reputation as a significant shipbuilding center during this period.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Benjamin S. Goodsell’s work is a testament to the early industrialization of the Great Lakes and the role of regional shipbuilders in developing the infrastructure necessary for 19th-century commerce and travel. While limited information remains about Goodsell’s full portfolio of ships, the Columbus stands as a lasting example of his craftsmanship and the impact of Huron’s shipbuilders on Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources for Further Research

For more on Benjamin S. Goodsell and early Great Lakes shipbuilding:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

• Huron Historical Society: Local archives and resources on Huron, Ohio’s maritime history