G. W. Johnston: Marine City Shipbuilder

G. W. Johnston: Marine City Shipbuilder

Overview:

G. W. Johnston was a shipbuilder based in Marine City, Michigan, during the 19th century, an era when the city was a prominent hub for maritime commerce and ship construction along the St. Clair River. His contributions to the shipbuilding industry reflect the robust economic activity of Marine City, which served as a critical point for trade and transportation on the Great Lakes.

Role in Shipbuilding:

• Marine City, Michigan, was known for its shipyards during the mid-to-late 1800s. Builders like G. W. Johnston catered to the demand for vessels to support the growing trade across the Great Lakes, including the transport of lumber, grain, and other goods.

• Johnston specialized in constructing wooden vessels, such as scow schooners and other small cargo ships, which were vital for navigating the challenging waterways of the Great Lakes.

Notable Vessel: The Lizzie Bell

One of Johnston’s best-known creations is the Lizzie Bell, a scow schooner launched in 1866:

• Build Details:

• Year Built: 1866

• Location: Marine City, Michigan

• Type: Scow Schooner

• Dimensions: 76.6 feet in length, 14.3 feet in beam, and 5.8 feet in depth

• Tonnage: 59.34 gross tons

• The Lizzie Bell, owned by Moses Rogers and associates, was a versatile and cost-effective design suitable for the bustling Great Lakes trade routes of the time.

• Service Life: The vessel was involved in cargo transport but met an untimely fate, reportedly wrecking around 1870–1878.

Marine City Shipbuilding Legacy

• Shipbuilding Industry: Marine City thrived as a shipbuilding center, with local craftsmen like G. W. Johnston building durable wooden vessels to meet the demands of 19th-century trade.

• Technological Craftsmanship: Johnston’s ship designs reflected the practical requirements of the era, emphasizing durability, cargo capacity, and affordability.

• Economic Impact: Johnston’s work supported regional commerce and positioned Marine City as a key player in Great Lakes shipping.

Significance of G. W. Johnston

G. W. Johnston exemplifies the skilled shipbuilders who contributed to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region. His work highlights the role of Marine City as a pivotal location for the construction of vessels essential to the economic and logistical framework of the 19th century.

Further Research:

• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Historical shipbuilding records for Marine City.

• Marine City Archives: Local archives documenting shipbuilding and maritime trade.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records on the Lizzie Bell and other vessels built by Johnston.

For enthusiasts or historians, exploring the Marine City Historical Society or local maritime museums can provide deeper insights into G. W. Johnston’s contributions and the broader shipbuilding legacy of the region.