Melancthon Simpson, Shipbuilder

Melancthon Simpson was a prominent Canadian shipbuilder based in St. Catharines, Ontario. He was active during the mid- to late-19th century, a period marked by rapid expansion in Great Lakes shipping. Known for his expertise in constructing wooden steam tugs, barges, and schooners, Simpson’s shipyard produced vessels that served both commercial and industrial needs. Simpson’s work was crucial to the Great Lakes maritime industry, particularly because his shipyard catered to the growing demand for lumber tugs and other workboats that supported industries across the region.

• Collingwood one of several tugboats built by Simpson, equipped with steam engines and designed to navigate the turbulent waters of the lakes.
• Lake Erie was a wooden-hulled package freighter, one of three sister ships, along with LAKE ONTARIO and LAKE MICHIGAN, built in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1873 for the Lake & River Steam Ship Co. of Hamilton, Ontario. The vessel was powered by a single screw propeller, driven by an 80-horsepower steam engine built by Thomas Wilson & Co. of Dundas, Ontario. She was designed to transport general cargo and passengers, operating between Montreal, Chicago, Toronto, and St. Catharines

Simpson’s contributions to shipbuilding reflected the technical advances of the era, particularly in the use of steam engines and screw propulsion, which enhanced towing power and maneuverability. However, like many shipbuilders of his time, Simpson faced challenges due to the eventual shift from wooden to iron and steel vessels, as well as changes in ownership patterns and economic pressures that reshaped the shipbuilding industry.

Simpson’s legacy remains significant as he helped pioneer shipbuilding techniques that supported the Great Lakes’ heavy industry and transportation needs during a period of rapid economic expansion in Canada.