Fowler’s Yard – Kingston, Ontario

Fowler’s Yard was an important shipbuilding and repair facility located in Kingston, Ontario, during the 19th century. It was part of Kingston’s thriving maritime industry, which played a crucial role in the development of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River shipping. The yard was known for constructing and servicing wooden sailing vessels, steamships, and workboats used for trade, transport, and ferry operations.

Kingston’s Shipbuilding Industry

 Strategic Location  Kingston, located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, was a major hub for shipbuilding, shipping, and naval operations.  The city had several prominent shipyards, including Fowler’s Yard, Calvin Shipyard, and the Kingston Marine Railway.

Historical Significance  Fowler’s Yard contributed to Canada’s early maritime economy, supporting trade between Kingston, Toronto, Montreal, and the Great Lakes ports. The shipyard helped construct and maintain vessels for the local timber trade, ferry services, and military transport.

Shipbuilding & Repairs at Fowler’s Yard

Wooden Sailing Ships & Steamers  The yard was likely involved in building and repairing schooners, brigs, and steam-powered vessels.  Many of these ships transported timber, grain, and manufactured goods across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Transport  Ships built at Fowler’s Yard would have operated in coastal trade routes, linking Kingston with Ottawa, Quebec, and U.S. ports like Oswego and Rochester.

Support for Local Commerce  The shipyard provided employment for skilled shipbuilders, carpenters, blacksmiths, and machinists.  It played a role in the development of Kingston’s waterfront economy, supporting maritime trade and industry.

Technological Advancements  The transition from wooden sailing ships to iron-hulled steamships in the late 19th century reduced demand for traditional shipyards like Fowler’s.  Larger shipbuilding operations, such as Polson Iron Works in Toronto, began to dominate the industry.

Kingston’s Changing Economy By the early 20th century, Kingston shifted from being a shipbuilding centre to focusing on other industries. Some former shipyards, including Fowler’s, were repurposed or abandoned.

Historical Significance Although Fowler’s Yard is no longer active, its contributions to early Canadian shipbuilding and trade remain an important part of Kingston’s maritime heritage.

Further Research and Resources

• Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston  https://www.marmuseum.ca Holds records of Kingston’s shipyards and maritime history.
• Kingston Historical Society Preserves documents related to early shipbuilding and industry in Kingston.
• Library and Archives Canada  https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca  May contain records on ships built or repaired at Fowler’s Yard.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Features shipbuilding records and details about Kingston’s shipyards.

Conclusion

Fowler’s Yard was a key part of Kingston’s shipbuilding industry, constructing and maintaining wooden sailing vessels and steamers during the 19th century. While it eventually declined with the rise of metal shipbuilding and industrial changes, its contributions to Great Lakes trade and transportation helped shape Kingston’s maritime legacy. Today, its history remains an essential chapter in the story of Canadian shipbuilding and commerce.

Notable Vessels

• The New Era was originally built in 1848 by G. Thurston at Fowler’s Yard in Kingston and launched around June 1st of that year. The vessel underwent significant modifications and a complete rebuild in 1862 by the same builder, G. Thurston, this time at Portsmouth, Ontario. During the rebuild, the ship received a new keel, frames, bottom timbers, stem, deck beams, engine frame, and deck. The reconstruction included adding “false sides” to improve stability, which had been an issue with the original design.