P. R. Beaupre – Shipbuilder

Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA

Overview

P. R. Beaupre was an active shipbuilder based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, during the mid-19th century. Operating along the western shores of Lake Michigan, Beaupre contributed to the thriving maritime industry that was crucial for regional trade and transportation during this era. Sheboygan, like many Great Lakes port cities, had a flourishing shipbuilding industry fueled by the demand for vessels capable of transporting lumber, grain, and other bulk goods across the Great Lakes.

Notable Contributions

Beaupre specialized in wooden sailing vessels, particularly schooners, which were the dominant vessel type for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the mid-1800s. His work reflects the craftsmanship and shipbuilding techniques common in the region, utilizing the abundant timber resources of Wisconsin.

Known Vessels Built by P. R. Beaupre:

• Lucy Raab (1858): A wooden, two-masted schooner designed for grain transport. The vessel measured 114 feet in length with a cargo capacity of 14,000 bushels. She was lost in 1862 after running aground on Middle Island Reef in Lake Huron during a storm. It is possible that Beaupre was involved in constructing other “Raab” vessels, as indicated by the historical references to similarly named schooners from the same period.

Sheboygan’s Shipbuilding Legacy

During the mid-19th century, Sheboygan was a key shipbuilding center on Lake Michigan. The region’s access to high-quality timber and a growing maritime economy made it an ideal location for shipyards. Beaupre’s contributions as a builder played a role in supporting the Great Lakes’ expanding commercial network, particularly in the lumber and grain trades that were vital to the Midwest’s development.

Conclusion

While detailed records on P. R. Beaupre’s full shipbuilding portfolio are limited, his work on vessels like the Lucy Raab highlights his role in the Great Lakes maritime industry. His shipyard in Sheboygan contributed to the regional economy and the broader history of Great Lakes navigation, reflecting the craftsmanship and maritime heritage of Wisconsin during the 19th century.