Chapman & Wade of Ogdensburg, New York

Overview:

Chapman & Wade was a notable partnership based in Ogdensburg, New York, a prominent shipping and trade hub during the 19th century. Ogdensburg’s strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it a critical point for vessels operating on the Great Lakesand connecting waterways. The firm was actively involved in owning and managing schooners and other vessels during the peak of Great Lakes maritime commerce.

Role in Maritime Commerce:

Chapman & Wade played a significant role in the regional trade networks, focusing on shipping goods like lumber, grain, and other commodities that were vital to the economic activity of the Great Lakes and surrounding areas. Their involvement in maritime transportation likely extended to managing the operation and maintenance of vessels, as well as arranging cargo shipments.

• Base of Operations: Ogdensburg, located on the southern bank of the St. Lawrence River, served as a gateway to both inland and transatlantic trade routes.

• Fleet Ownership: Chapman & Wade were known owners of schooners such as the Dashing Wave, using these vessels to transport bulk goods efficiently across the interconnected waterways of the region.

Notable Vessel: The Dashing Wave

• Chapman & Wade acquired the Dashing Wave, a schooner built in 1861, and retained ownership during the vessel’s early operational years.

• By 1870, under their ownership, the vessel underwent significant updates, including the construction of new decks, indicating their commitment to maintaining and upgrading their fleet for long-term use.

• The Dashing Wave was a key asset for Chapman & Wade, enabling them to navigate the shifting demands of maritime trade in the mid-19th century.

Historical Context:

During the time Chapman & Wade were active, Ogdensburg was a flourishing shipping port, benefiting from its proximity to the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and the Erie Canal. The firm’s operations would have aligned with the broader growth of Great Lakes shipping, which supported the rapid expansion of industries like lumber, agriculture, and manufacturing in both the United States and Canada.

Industry Challenges:

• Chapman & Wade, like other maritime firms, would have faced challenges such as changing vessel technologies (from wood to iron and steel hulls) and the rise of steam-powered ships, which began to dominate commercial shipping by the late 19th century.

Legacy:

While specific records of Chapman & Wade’s later operations are scarce, their ownership of vessels like the Dashing Wave reflects their contribution to the development of Great Lakes commerce during a transformative period in maritime history.

Resources & Links:

1. Ogdensburg Public Library & Archives – Historical maritime records of St. Lawrence River commerce.

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Detailed vessel histories and regional shipping data.

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File – Information on vessels owned or operated by firms like Chapman & Wade.

4. St. Lawrence Seaway Historical Society – Insights into 19th-century shipping operations based in Ogdensburg.

Chapman & Wade’s story is part of the larger narrative of Great Lakes commerce, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of firms operating during an era of intense industrial and technological change.