Hingston Bros. Shipyard, Buffalo, NY

Hingston Bros. Shipyard, located in Buffalo, New York, was an influential shipbuilding company that operated during the mid to late 19th century. The shipyard specialized in constructing a wide range of vessels, including steamships, schooners, barges, and tugs, serving both the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

While not as well-known as some of the larger shipyards in the area, Hingston Bros. played a significant role in supporting the growing demands of Great Lakes shipping during a time of rapid industrialization and increasing trade.

Key Details of the Shipyard’s Operation

• Location: Buffalo, New York, along the shores of Lake Erie, strategically situated to support Great Lakes shipping.
• Era of Operation: The shipyard was active during the mid-1800s, with the most notable period of its work being in the 1850s and 1860s.
• Types of Vessels Built: Hingston Bros. primarily constructed wooden vessels, including schooners, steam-powered tugs, and freighters, tailored to the demands of lake freight and passenger transport.

Shipyard Influence and Notable Ships

Hingston Bros. Shipyard was known for constructing reliable and sturdy vessels, many of which were used for cargo transport, including lumber, coal, and passenger services. A number of its ships saw long careers, some surviving storms and mechanical challenges for years before being decommissioned or wrecked.

One of the notable ships built at the Hingston Bros. Shipyard was the SWAN (Official No. 57928), a steam tuglaunched in 1862. The vessel was later destroyed by fire in 1875 while docked in Saginaw River, Michigan.

Legacy

While Hingston Bros. Shipyard was not as prominent as other shipbuilders, such as Fisk & Son in Michigan or Detroit Boat Works, its contribution to Great Lakes shipping cannot be overlooked. Many vessels it produced played key roles in the bustling commerce of the Great Lakes region during the mid-1800s.

Though records on the shipyard itself are sparse, its impact can still be seen through the ships it built, which served a vital role in the economy and navigation of the lakes during a time when shipping was paramount for transporting goods.

Conclusion

Hingston Bros. Shipyard, despite being a smaller player compared to some of the other more well-known shipyards of the era, left its mark on Great Lakes shipping with its production of strong, reliable vessels. The SWAN, a tugboat built in 1862, is one of the notable vessels associated with the yard. Though no longer operating today, Hingston Bros. contributed to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, helping to lay the foundation for modern shipping on these waters.