Lafrinier & Stevenson Shipyard: Cleveland, Ohio

Founders: John Lafrinier and Stevenson family members

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Era of Operation: Mid-19th century

Specialty: Wooden lake freighters, bulk carriers, and passenger ships

Lafrinier & Stevenson was a respected shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio, in the mid-1800s. Founded by shipbuilder John Lafrinier and members of the Stevenson family, the shipyard became known for constructing large, durable wooden vessels tailored to the demands of Great Lakes shipping. Cleveland, situated strategically on Lake Erie, was an ideal location for a shipyard, as it was centrally positioned to serve routes across all the Great Lakes, from Chicago to Buffalo.

• One of the most notable vessels constructed by Lafrinier & Stevenson was the City of Superior, built in 1857 for Hanna, Garretson & Co. The vessel was designed as a robust freighter capable of carrying both passengers and cargo, a testament to the quality and innovation of Lafrinier & Stevenson’s work. Equipped with two high-pressure engines and two screws, it reflected cutting-edge maritime technology for its time, embodying the shipyard’s commitment to blending functionality with mechanical advancement.
• The J.H. Tiffany was a wooden schooner, built in 1856 by Lafrinier & Stevenson in Cleveland, Ohio. The schooner was used primarily for transporting bulk cargo, such as railroad rails in this instance. She had two masts and was built to handle the tough conditions of the Great Lakes, especially the Lake Michigan shipping routes. With a 136 feet (41.45 meters) length and a 370-ton capacity, she was a typical cargo vessel for the period, engaging in trade between ports on the lakes.

Though wooden shipbuilding began to decline with the rise of iron and steel hulls in the latter half of the 19th century, Lafrinier & Stevenson’s contributions to Great Lakes shipping were significant. Their vessels supported the expansion of trade routes and the region’s industrial growth, cementing Cleveland’s role in maritime commerce. As demand for steel-hulled ships grew, Cleveland’s shipbuilding shifted to adapt to the new technology, but the legacy of Lafrinier & Stevenson’s craftsmanship lived on in the region’s maritime history.