Parsons & Humble

Parsons & Humble was a notable shipbuilding partnership based in Barcelona, New York, on the shores of Lake Erie. Active during the mid-19th century, this shipyard was known for constructing sturdy and reliable wooden vessels, primarily serving the Great Lakes’ burgeoning shipping and trade industries.

Key Contributions

Specialization in Schooners: Parsons & Humble primarily built schooners, a popular vessel type during the 19th century. These ships were highly versatile, used for transporting bulk goods such as grain, timber, and coal across the Great Lakes.

Quality Construction The partnership gained a reputation for building vessels with robust wooden construction, capable of withstanding the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Their craftsmanship reflected the shipbuilding standards of the time, emphasizing functionality and durability.

Vessels owned, operated or built for

• Niagara (1873): One of their most famous builds, the Niagara, was a three-masted schooner launched in 1873. Measuring 204.6 feet in length and designed for bulk cargo transport, the Niagara played a significant role in the grain trade before its tragic loss in 1887
• Lucerne was a large, two-masted schooner designed for hauling heavy bulk cargo across the Great Lakes. Built by Parsons & Humble in Tonawanda, New York, she was launched on April 23, 1873. Initially owned by N.C. Winslow of Buffalo, the schooner later came under the ownership of J.S. Corrigan of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, she played a critical role in the grain and iron ore trades, navigating routes between Duluth, Minnesota, and Buffalo, New York..

Historical Context

The mid-19th century marked a period of rapid industrial and commercial growth in the Great Lakes region. Shipbuilding yards like Parsons & Humble flourished during this time, meeting the increasing demand for vessels that could transport goods efficiently between ports.

Barcelona, New York: Located on the southern shores of Lake Erie, Barcelona was an ideal location for shipbuilding. Its proximity to key trading routes and access to quality timber made it a hub for the construction of wooden vessels.

Legacy

Though specific records about Parsons & Humble’s full portfolio are scarce, their contribution to Great Lakes shipping is remembered through vessels like the Niagara, which reflect the quality and craftsmanship of their work. The shipyard represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, contributing to the economic development of the region during the 19th century.

Connection to Maritime History

Regional Importance: Shipyards like Parsons & Humble were instrumental in supporting the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, helping to fuel the industrial and agricultural expansion of the United States and Canada.

Preservation: Historical records and surviving documentation of their vessels, such as the Niagara, provide valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding practices and the maritime culture of the Great Lakes.

Tags#GreatLakesShipbuilders #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #ParsonsAndHumble #BarcelonaNewYork #GreatLakesSchooners