Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Dry Dock Co., established in Cleveland, Ohio, was a prominent shipbuilding and repair company that contributed significantly to the maritime history of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company specialized in constructing wooden and steel vessels, ranging from passenger ferries to bulk freighters. Located along the Cuyahoga River, the shipyard played a pivotal role in meeting the growing demands of Great Lakes commerce and transportation during this period.

Key Contributions

Passenger Vessels Cleveland Dry Dock Co. gained recognition for constructing vessels such as the DULUTH (later CITY OF PORT HURON) and her twin SUPERIOR in 1890. These sidewheel passenger ferries served popular leisure routes, such as the Euclid Beach excursions in Cleveland, and were later repurposed for other ferry services on the Great Lakes.

Freight and Cargo VesselsThe company also built bulk freighters and barges designed for transporting iron ore, grain, coal, and other goods essential to the industrial growth of the region. Their robust construction allowed these vessels to withstand the often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.

Ship Repairs and Conversions In addition to building new vessels, Cleveland Dry Dock Co. offered repair and conversion services. For example, they converted several vessels from passenger steamers to freight carriers or barges, extending their operational lives and adapting to changing market demands.

Impact on the Great Lakes

• Economic Growth: The vessels produced by Cleveland Dry Dock Co. facilitated trade and passenger movement, directly supporting the industrial and commercial expansion of cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.
• Innovation: Their use of modern shipbuilding techniques and materials set industry standards, including advancements in hull design and propulsion systems.
• Maritime Heritage: Many of their vessels, such as the CITY OF PORT HURON, have become part of the historical narrative of Great Lakes shipping and are remembered through shipwreck sites and maritime archives.

Notable Vessels

• The CITY OF PORT HURON, originally named DULUTH, was a wooden passenger ferry characterized by her robust construction and rounded design. She was well-suited for ferrying passengers over short distances and was admired for her reliability and charm. Her primary function was to serve as a ferry, first between Cleveland and Euclid Beach, and later connecting other ports, including the bustling areas of Mackinac Island and the St. Clair River.

Legacy

The Cleveland Dry Dock Co. stands as a testament to the ingenuity and industriousness of the Great Lakes region during a transformative era in North American maritime history. Although the company ceased operations in the early 20th century, its contributions remain significant, with many of its vessels serving as historical landmarks and subjects of underwater exploration.

Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records of vessels built by Cleveland Dry Dock Co.
• Great Lakes Historical Society: Documentation on shipbuilding in Cleveland.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed information on vessels constructed by the company.

Keywords: Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Great Lakes shipbuilding, Euclid Beach ferries, DULUTH, CITY OF PORT HURON, Cleveland maritime history