H.B. Burger Shipyard (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)

H.B. Burger Shipyard (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)

Overview

H.B. Burger was a shipbuilding company based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, active during the late 19th century. The yard was notable for constructing wooden sailing vessels, including schooners and steamships, primarily for use on the Great Lakes.

Key Details

• Full Name: H.B. Burger Shipyard
• Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Era of Operation: Primarily active in the 1860s–1880s
• Specialization: Wooden-hulled ships, including schooners, steamers, and package freighters

Notable Vessels Built:

• Anabel II was a wooden diesel-powered fish tug, constructed in 1928 by the renowned Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Fish tugs were purpose-built for Great Lakes commercial fishing, featuring enclosed cabins to protect crews from the often harsh and unpredictable weather conditions on Lake Michigan. The oil screw propulsion system, powered by a diesel engine, represented a shift from traditional steam and gas engines to more efficient and reliable diesel power.
• J. Duvall was a wooden, two-masted schooner, commonly used for hauling lumber and bulk cargo on the Great Lakes.
• S.A. Wood (1868) – Three-masted schooner, later converted to a barge
• R.A. Seymour, Jr. was a hardworking Great Lakes steambarge, playing a key role in the lumber trade for over 30 years. Despite multiple owners, groundings, and collisions, she remained in service until 1912, when she was laid up. Her final fate was abandonment and sinking in 1924, making her one of the many lost wooden steamers of the Great Lakes.

Shipbuilding Legacy

Competitor to Other Wisconsin Shipyards: During the 19th century, Manitowoc was a key shipbuilding hub on Lake Michigan, home to several well-known yards, including Rand & Burger, Manitowoc Shipbuilding, and Rieboldt & Wolter.  Transition to Steel Shipbuilding: As wooden shipbuilding declined in the late 19th century, many of these yards either closed, merged, or transitioned to metal ship construction.

Impact on Great Lakes Trade: Ships from the H.B. Burger yard served in commercial freight, passenger transport, and fishing, contributing to the economic growth of the Great Lakes region.

Further Research and Resources

• Wisconsin Maritime Museum – https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Database – Information on vessels built by H.B. Burger and other Manitowoc shipbuilders.