Geo. (George) Weeks – Shipbuilder in Oswego, New York

Overview:

George Weeks was a shipbuilder based in Oswego, New York, during the mid-19th century. Oswego, located on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario, was a thriving port city and shipbuilding center thanks to its strategic position connecting the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal and Hudson River, facilitating trade between the American interior and the Atlantic Ocean.

Oswego’s Role in Shipbuilding

During the 19th century, Oswego grew into a major shipbuilding hub on Lake Ontario. Its proximity to timber resources, access to ironwork’s, and bustling commercial port made it an ideal place for building a variety of vessels, including schooners, barges, and steam-powered ships. The city’s shipyards produced vessels for both regional trade and passenger transportation across the Great Lakes.

Notable Vessels Owned/Operated or Built by George Weeks

• Queen of the West Type: Sidewheel Steamer, Wood, Passenger & Package Freight  Built: 1851, by Geo. Weeks, Oswego, New York  Specs: 212 ft x 26 ft x 11 ft, 439 tons  Fate: Destroyed by fire at Browne’s Wharf, Hamilton, Ontario, on July 9, 1853.  Significance: The Queen of the West was distinguished by an innovative paddle wheel design featuring curved buckets set at a 15-degree angle—a feature that improved efficiency and maneuverability. Built for Canadian buyers, the vessel exemplified Weeks’ craftsmanship in combining engineering innovation with practical design.

George Weeks’ Contribution to Maritime Innovation

• Innovative Paddle Wheel Design:

George Weeks was known for his experimental approach to shipbuilding, particularly with the Queen of the West, which featured curved paddle buckets at a 15-degree angle. This design aimed to improve propulsion efficiency and may have influenced the development of sidewheel steamers on the Great Lakes.

• Wooden Sidewheel Steamers:

Weeks specialized in the construction of wooden sidewheel steamers, which were widely used for both passenger transport and freight services during the mid-19th century. His vessels contributed to the expansion of trade and transportation across Lake Ontario and beyond.

• Supporting Regional Trade:

By building vessels like the Queen of the West for Canadian buyers, Weeks played a role in fostering cross-border trade and economic growth between New York and Ontario. His shipbuilding activities reflected Oswego’s importance as a gateway port between the United States and Canada.

Oswego, New York – A Maritime Hub

In the 1800s, Oswego was one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes, serving as a critical transshipment point for grain, lumber, coal, and manufactured goods. The Oswego Canal, completed in 1828, connected the city to the Erie Canal and further to the Hudson River, making it a vital link in the inland waterway system. Shipbuilders like George Weeks benefited from this booming trade, supplying vessels for both regional commerce and international shipping.

Further Resources and Research Links

For more detailed information about George Weeks and the shipbuilding history of Oswego, New York, the following resources may be helpful:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Maritime Database

• H. Lee White Maritime Museum – Oswego, NY

• Oswego County Historical Society

• Library of Congress – Oswego Maritime Archives

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Suggested Keywords: George Weeks shipbuilder, Oswego New York maritime history, Queen of the West steamer, Lake Ontario shipbuilders, 19th-century sidewheel steamers, Great Lakes shipbuilding history.

Categories: Great Lakes Shipbuilders, New York Maritime History, Sidewheel Steamers of the Great Lakes, Oswego Port History.

Glossary Terms: Sidewheel Steamer Construction, Oswego Shipbuilding Industry, Great Lakes Maritime Trade, Innovative Paddle Wheel Design.