Foster & Arnold – Shipping Firm of Cleveland, Ohio

Foster & Arnold – Shipping Firm of Cleveland, Ohio

Overview

Foster & Arnold was a Cleveland-based shipping company involved in Great Lakes freight transport during the late 19th century. They were the original owners of the Samuel H. Foster, which was built for grain and iron ore shipping.

The firm likely operated a fleet of schooners and steam-powered vessels, focusing on bulk cargo transport between:

• Buffalo, New York (grain shipments).

• Chicago and Milwaukee (lumber and coal transport).

• Duluth and Marquette (iron ore trade).

By the late 19th century, many sailing ships owned by companies like Foster & Arnold were converted into tow barges, pulled behind steam-powered freighters to increase efficiency.

Cleveland, Ohio – A Great Lakes Shipping Hub

During the 19th century, Cleveland was a key center for shipbuilding and maritime commerce, known for:

• Building wooden schooners and steam-powered freighters for Great Lakes trade.

• Shipping bulk cargoes like iron ore, coal, grain, and lumber.

• Being home to major shipping companies, such as Gilchrist Transportation Co. and Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co..

Foster & Arnold was part of this maritime economy, using vessels like the Samuel H. Foster to transport goods across the Great Lakes system.

Further Research and Resources

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Archives historical ship lists, ownership transfers, and shipping companies.
• Great Lakes Historical Society – National Museum of the Great Lakes https://nmgl.org Documents Cleveland’s maritime history and shipbuilding legacy.
• Cleveland Public Library – Local History & Shipbuilding Archives May contain business records from Foster & Arnold and shipbuilding documents from Lewis Lafrinier.
• Cleveland-Cliffs and the Iron Ore Trade Provides historical context on the Great Lakes iron ore and grain shipping industry.

Conclusion

Lewis Lafrinier was a Cleveland-based shipbuilder who constructed the Samuel H. Foster (1873) for Foster & Arnold, a Cleveland shipping firm involved in Great Lakes bulk cargo transport. Cleveland was a major maritime hub, supporting shipbuilding, shipping, and trade across the region. While records on Lafrinier and Foster & Arnold remain limited, further research may reveal additional vessels built or operated under their names.