Pickands, Mather & Co.

Founded: 1883

Founders: Colonel James Pickands, Samuel Mather, and Jay C. Morse

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio

Primary Operations: Iron ore mining, coal, and maritime shipping

Pickands, Mather & Co. was a pivotal entity in the development of the iron and steel industries in the United States, particularly in the Great Lakes region. It played a central role in the extraction, transportation, and marketing of raw materials critical to industrialization. Its operations spanned from mining iron ore and coal to managing a significant fleet of ships transporting these materials across the Great Lakes.

Key Contributions

1. Iron Ore Mining:

• Pickands, Mather owned and operated multiple iron ore mines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Minnesota’s Mesabi and Vermilion Ranges, and Wisconsin.

• The company supplied high-quality ore to major steel manufacturers in the U.S., including Carnegie Steel and later U.S. Steel, making it a critical link in the steel production chain.

2. Coal Operations:

• Pickands, Mather managed several coal mines in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Coal from these mines was vital for powering steel mills and fueling maritime shipping.

3. Great Lakes Shipping:

• Pickands, Mather operated a fleet of bulk freighters under the Interlake Steamship Company, established in 1913.

• The fleet transported iron ore, coal, and limestone between ports, enabling seamless supply chain management for steel mills in cities like Cleveland, Gary, and Detroit.

• Notable ships in their fleet included:

• ARGUS (Lewis Woodruff): Lost during the Great Storm of 1913 while carrying coal.

• Willis B. Boyer (Col. James M. Schoonmaker): Now a museum ship in Toledo, Ohio.

The Great Storm of 1913:

Pickands, Mather suffered significant losses during the infamous Great Storm of 1913, which devastated the Great Lakes. Several vessels in its fleet, including the ARGUS, were lost with their crews, underscoring the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping.

Corporate Legacy:

1. Interlake Steamship Company:

• In 1913, Pickands, Mather established this shipping subsidiary to modernize and expand its fleet.

• Today, Interlake Steamship Company remains one of the largest and longest-operating shipping companies on the Great Lakes, continuing the legacy of Pickands, Mather.

2. Acquisition and Evolution:

• Pickands, Mather & Co. eventually became part of larger corporate entities, reflecting changes in the U.S. industrial landscape. By the mid-20th century, the company was acquired by Cleveland-Cliffs, a major player in the mining and steel industries.

Significance to Maritime and Industrial History:

Pickands, Mather was instrumental in transforming the Great Lakes into a global hub for iron ore shipping and steel production. Its operations ensured a steady flow of raw materials to America’s industrial heartland, helping the U.S. become the world’s leading steel producer during the 20th century.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Visit Website

2. Interlake Steamship Company: Visit Website

3. Great Lakes Historical Society: Visit Website

4. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Visit Website

Conclusion

Pickands, Mather & Co. was a cornerstone of the industrial and maritime economy of the Great Lakes. Through its extensive mining, shipping, and resource management operations, the company facilitated the growth of steel manufacturing and regional commerce. Its fleet of bulk freighters and its enduring legacy through the Interlake Steamship Company underscore its historic impact on the Great Lakes and U.S. industry.