J.A. Jenkins Shipbuilder- Detroit MI

Overview

J.A. Jenkins was an active shipbuilder associated with the mid-19th century maritime industry in Detroit, Michigan, a major hub for ship construction on the Great Lakes. Although detailed biographical information on Jenkins is limited, his involvement in the construction of significant vessels like the B.L. Webb highlights his contributions to the regional shipbuilding industry during a period of rapid growth in Great Lakes commerce.

Detroit’s strategic location on the Detroit River made it a key shipbuilding center, providing access to timber, ironworks, and a skilled labor force necessary for constructing wooden steamships and sailing vessels. Jenkins’ work reflects the era’s focus on creating versatile vessels for both passenger and freight service, supporting industries such as mining, lumber, and agriculture across the Great Lakes.

Notable Contributions:

• B.L. Webb (1856): Jenkins served as the builder of the wooden propeller steamship B.L. Webb, constructed at G.B. Russell’s shipyard in Detroit. This vessel, designed for package and bulk freight, was part of the growing fleet needed to support expanding industrial activity around Lake Superior, particularly in Marquette’s mining sector.
• Windsor began her career as a Detroit River ferry, operating in the busy shipping lanes between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Following a devastating fire in 1866, the vessel was rebuilt and repurposed as a schooner-barge—a type of vessel typically towed by steam tugs and used for transporting bulk goods such as timber, coal, and other heavy cargo.

While specific records of other vessels built by Jenkins are sparse, his role in projects like the B.L. Webb suggests he was part of Detroit’s dynamic maritime workforce, contributing to vessels that navigated some of the most challenging waters in North America.