Rieboldt & Wolter Shipyard (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin)

Overview

The Rieboldt & Wolter Shipyard was a prominent shipbuilding operation in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally established in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the company relocated to Sturgeon Bay in the 1880s or 1890s to take advantage of the city’s growing prominence as a Great Lakes shipbuilding hub. Known for their craftsmanship and versatility, Rieboldt & Wolter specialized in constructing both wooden and steel-hulled vessels for a variety of industries, including fishing, transportation, and municipal services.

History

• Founding: The shipyard was founded by partners Adolph Rieboldt and John Wolter, skilled shipwrights who originally operated out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

• Relocation: As Sturgeon Bay developed into a regional shipbuilding center with better access to deep-water harbors and resources, the shipyard moved to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the growing demand for Great Lakes vessels.

Notable Ships Built by Rieboldt & Wolter

• No. 17 M.F.D. (1893) Type: Steam Fireboat Built for the Milwaukee Fire Department, originally named the James Foley. Notable as Milwaukee’s second fireboat, featuring a steam engine and specialized firefighting equipment.
• Commercial Fishing Boats Rieboldt & Wolter were known for constructing sturdy wooden boats designed for the Great Lakes fishing industry, meeting the needs of local fishermen.
• Barges and Tugs The shipyard built smaller utility vessels such as barges and tugboats for towing, dredging, and other industrial tasks on the Great Lakes.
• Small Steamers Designed for passenger and freight service along the Wisconsin shoreline and nearby Great Lakes communities.

Contributions to Sturgeon Bay and the Great Lakes

Economic Growth: The shipyard contributed significantly to Sturgeon Bay’s economic development, providing jobs and supporting the maritime industry.

Maritime Heritage: Vessels built by Rieboldt & Wolter were integral to the fishing, freight, and municipal operations of Wisconsin communities, enhancing local infrastructure and trade.

Adaptability: The company transitioned from building wooden-hulled vessels to experimenting with steel construction, reflecting the broader trends in shipbuilding during the late 19th century.

Decline and Legacy

• By the early 20th century, changes in shipbuilding technology and competition from larger, more industrialized shipyards led to the decline of smaller operations like Rieboldt & Wolter.

• Despite its closure, the shipyard’s contributions to Wisconsin’s maritime history are still remembered through its well-documented vessels and its role in shaping the shipbuilding heritage of Sturgeon Bay, which remains an important center for ship construction and repair today.

Further Research and Resources

If you are interested in delving deeper into the history of Rieboldt & Wolter or their vessels, the following resources are recommended:

• Wisconsin Maritime Museum Wisconsin Maritime Museum  Features exhibits and archives related to Great Lakes shipbuilding history.
• Door County Maritime Museum Door County Maritime Museum Located in Sturgeon Bay, this museum focuses on the region’s shipbuilding legacy and may have records or photographs related to the shipyard.
• Wisconsin Historical Society Wisconsin Historical Society Offers archival materials related to maritime industries in Wisconsin.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Maritime History of the Great Lakes Contains vessel registries and shipyard information.

Conclusion

The Rieboldt & Wolter Shipyard exemplified the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit that defined Wisconsin’s maritime heritage during the late 19th century. Its legacy lives on through the vessels it built and the role it played in transforming Sturgeon Bay into a maritime hub on the Great Lakes. If you’re looking for specific vessels or additional shipyard details, feel free to ask for further assistance!