George W. Jones

George W. Jones was a prominent 19th-century shipbuilder based in Conneaut, Ohio, contributing significantly to Great Lakes maritime history. His craftsmanship is exemplified by the construction of notable vessels like the WISCONSIN and the EMPIRE.

Notable Vessels Built by George W. Jones:

• Wisconsin: Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer Built: 1838, Conneaut, Ohio Dimensions: Original: Length 157 feet (47.9 meters), Beam 29 feet (8.8 meters), Depth 11 feet 6 inches (3.5 meters) After Rebuilding: Length 218 feet 8 inches (66.6 meters), Beam 30 feet (9.1 meters), Depth 14 feet (4.3 meters) Tonnage: 887 tons (after rebuilding). History: The Wisconsin served routes between Buffalo, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago. It underwent significant rebuilding in 1844, enhancing its size and speed. The vessel met its demise on August 24, 1853, after a collision with the propeller BRUNSWICK near West Sister Island in Lake Erie.
• Empire: Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer Built: 1844, Cleveland, Ohio Dimensions: Length 253 feet 6 inches (77.2 meters), Beam 32 feet 8.5 inches (10 meters), Depth 14 feet 2 inches (4.3 meters) Tonnage: 1,140 tons History: The EMPIRE was the first American-built vessel exceeding 1,000 tons, marking a milestone in Great Lakes shipbuilding. It operated primarily between Detroit and Buffalo. The vessel stranded during a storm near Port Rowan, Ontario, on November 16, 1870, and was declared a total loss.
• Queen of the Lakes was a wooden propeller freighter, a vessel type designed for the bulk transport of heavy cargo, like pig iron, across the Great Lakes. Propeller-driven freighters of the mid-19th century represented a significant advancement over sidewheel steamers, offering greater efficiency and maneuverability for freight operations. 

Contributions to Shipbuilding:

George W. Jones’s work reflects the shipbuilding advancements of the mid-19th century, particularly in the Great Lakes region. His vessels were integral to the expansion of commerce and transportation across the lakes, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods. The construction of large sidewheel steamers like the WISCONSIN and EMPIRE showcased the evolving engineering capabilities and the increasing demand for robust maritime infrastructure during that era.

Jones’s legacy is evident in the historical records of the vessels he built, which played significant roles in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.