Drennan & Graham

Drennan & Graham was a steam engine manufacturing firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, active during the early 19th century. The company is noted for supplying marine engines to the Great Lakes region, contributing to the development of steam-powered navigation in North America.

In 1832, Drennan & Graham provided a pair of 120 horsepower high-pressure engines to Robert Hamilton, a prominent figure from Queenston, Ontario. These engines were installed in the steamboat Alciope, replacing an older Boulton & Watt engine. This upgrade was part of a broader trend during that era, where vessel owners sought more efficient and powerful engines to enhance performance. 

Despite this notable contribution, records indicate that Drennan & Graham’s presence in the Canadian maritime market was limited. A comprehensive U.S. steam engine report from 1838 does not list other sales by the firm, suggesting that their involvement in the region’s steam engine supply was minimal. 

The limited documentation on Drennan & Graham highlights the challenges in tracing the operations of early 19th-century industrial firms, especially those with brief or regionally confined activities. Nonetheless, their role in supplying engines for vessels like the Alciopeunderscores their participation in the early development of steam navigation on the Great Lakes.