James Pickering – Shipbuilder of Sackets Harbor, New York

James Pickering was a skilled shipbuilder based in Sackets Harbor, New York, during the mid-19th century. Known for his craftsmanship, Pickering contributed to the Great Lakes maritime industry by constructing vessels designed for the challenging conditions of these inland seas. Sackets Harbor, located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, was a prominent shipbuilding center during this period, providing vessels crucial to the expanding trade and transport networks on the Great Lakes.

The Construction of the Columbia (1844)

One of Pickering’s most notable works was the construction of the schooner Columbia in 1844. The Columbia, built for both passenger and freight trade, measured 99 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 165 tons, with a two-masted design. This vessel was intended for a life of trade across the upper Great Lakes, a valuable asset for regional commerce. Pickering’s craftsmanship in building the Columbia reflected the skill and durability required of vessels that braved the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Tragedy on the Welland Canal

The Columbia’s maiden voyage, however, was marked by tragedy. While attempting to navigate the Welland Canal, it was discovered that the vessel was just one inch too long to fit through the canal’s locks. This unexpected setback had a profound emotional impact on Pickering, who, overwhelmed by the perceived failure, took his own life at Lock No. 8 on the Welland Canal. His sudden death cast a shadow over the future of the Columbia, leaving a grieving family and creating a legacy of misfortune for the vessel itself.

Legacy of James Pickering and the Maritime Industry of Sackets Harbor

James Pickering’s work and the Columbia serve as reminders of the challenges faced by shipbuilders and mariners of the era. Sackets Harbor’s shipyards were vital to the Great Lakes economy, producing ships that transported goods, passengers, and resources across the lakes. Pickering’s career, although marred by personal tragedy, underscores the dedication and high stakes involved in the shipbuilding industry of the 19th century. The loss of Pickering and the continued difficulties faced by the Columbia reflect the intense pressures and unpredictability of Great Lakes navigation during this period.

Resources for Further Research

For more information on James Pickering, Sackets Harbor’s shipbuilding history, and Great Lakes maritime heritage:

• Sackets Harbor Historical Society: Records on local shipbuilders and maritime history.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database