Voight of Milwaukee – Original Owner of the Columbian

The original owner of the Columbian was Voight, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While details on Voight’s full name or other ventures remain limited, his investment in the Columbian indicates his involvement in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Milwaukee was a major shipping and trading hub in the 19th century, and Voight’s ownership of the Columbian aligned with the city’s significant role in transporting lumber, grain, and other bulk goods across the lakes.

Voight’s decision to commission a large, transatlantic-capable vessel like the Columbian reflects the ambitions of Great Lakes merchants who sought not only to facilitate regional trade but also to explore international opportunities. By constructing the vessel with oceanic capabilities in mind, Voight likely intended to use it for more expansive routes beyond the Great Lakes.