Hood in Hamilton, Ontario

Overview:

The name Hood refers to a shipowner or merchant operating in Hamilton, Ontario, during the mid-19th century. Records indicate that Hood took ownership of the schooner Queen Victoria by 1854, following its original ownership by J. Flood. Hood’s operations likely aligned with the shipping and trade activities of Hamilton, which was a growing port city during that era.

Role in Maritime Trade:

• Ownership of the Queen Victoria:

Hood’s purchase of the Queen Victoria indicates involvement in Great Lakes shipping, possibly in transporting lumber, staves, or other bulk goods, which were dominant cargo types in the region. Hamilton’s location near Lake Ontario made it a strategic port for receiving and dispatching goods to other Great Lakes ports.

• Economic Context:

By the 1850s, Hamilton was emerging as a key industrial and shipping hub. Hood’s ownership of schooners like the Queen Victoria positioned him within the growing trade network, particularly in lumber and agricultural exports.

Hamilton, Ontario – A Maritime Hub:

During the mid-19th century, Hamilton was a vital center for Great Lakes shipping. Its location at the western end of Lake Ontario made it a gateway for cargo moving between Ontario’s interior and the Atlantic trade routes via the St. Lawrence River. Shipowners like Hood were integral to the city’s economy, relying on vessels such as schooners to move goods efficiently.

Legacy of William Pring and Hood:

Both Pring and Hood contributed to the development of Great Lakes shipping during a transformative era in Canadian trade history.

• Pring’s surveys provided the technical backbone for safe and reliable vessel operations.

• Hood’s ownership of trading schooners like the Queen Victoria ensured the movement of goods vital to Hamilton’s growth as an economic hub.