W. Redmond, Picton, Ontario

W. Redmond, Picton, Ontario – Great Lakes Shipbuilder

Overview

W. Redmond was a shipbuilder based in Picton, Ontario, known for constructing wooden sailing vessels during the 19th century. Picton, located on Prince Edward County’s Bay of Quinte, was a major shipbuilding center in the late 1800s, producing schooners, barks, and other wooden vessels that served the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Notable Vessels Built by W. Redmond

• Schooner Twilight (1873) Built: 1873, Picton, Ontario Specs: 106 ft long, 26 ft beam, 9 ft depth, 173 tons Registered in: Toronto Lost in a fire at Tyrconnell Dock, Lake Erie, on September 5, 1891

This vessel was likely used for bulk cargo transport, such as lumber, coal, grain, or general goods, between Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, and New York ports.

Picton’s Shipbuilding Legacy

During the mid-to-late 19th century, Picton was home to several shipyards that built Great Lakes sailing vessels. Many of these ships carried goods between Canada and the United States, supporting the regional economy and trade networks. The shipbuilding industry declined in the early 20th century, as steam-powered vessels replaced wooden sailing ships.

Conclusion

While little historical information survives about W. Redmond’s shipyard, his construction of the Twilight in 1873confirms his role in Great Lakes shipbuilding. His work contributed to Ontario’s maritime history, with vessels like Twilight serving for decades before meeting their fate on the lakes.