Merrill & Company 

Merrill & Company was a prominent shipping enterprise active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily operating on the Great Lakes. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Merrill & Company played a significant role in maritime commerce, focusing on the transport of bulk goods like coal, grain, and iron ore. The company capitalized on the burgeoning industrial economy of the Great Lakes region, facilitating trade and industry growth across key port cities.

Key Activities and Role

1. Transportation of Bulk Cargo:

• Merrill & Company specialized in the shipment of coal, iron ore, and grain—commodities central to the industrial and agricultural economies of the Great Lakes states.

• Its fleet included large freighters, such as the PUEBLO, designed to carry significant volumes efficiently.

2. Fleet Operations:

• The company owned and operated a range of vessels, including both bulk freighters and barges, to meet the diverse demands of regional trade.

• Notably, the PUEBLO, launched in 1891, was among its most famous vessels, built for bulk cargo transportation between Lake Michigan and ports such as Oswego and Ogdensburg, New York.

3. Role in Economic Development:

• Merrill & Company was instrumental in linking agricultural producers in the Midwest with markets in the eastern United States and Canada.

• By operating a reliable and efficient fleet, the company contributed to the rapid expansion of trade networks in the Great Lakes region.

Notable Vessels

• PUEBLO (1891):

• Built by the Milwaukee Shipyard Company for Merrill & Company.

• Served routes connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Ontario, showcasing the company’s commitment to large-scale cargo transport.

Legacy

Merrill & Company’s operations illustrate the critical role of maritime shipping in the economic history of the Great Lakes. By facilitating the movement of raw materials and agricultural goods, the company supported the industrial boom that transformed the region during the late 19th century. While specific details of the company’s eventual dissolution or transition are less documented, its contributions are remembered through the history of its vessels and the broader narrative of Great Lakes commerce.

For further research, resources such as the Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database and Bowling Green State University’s Historical Collections of the Great Lakes may provide more detailed insights into the company’s operations and fleet.