Beeson’s Marine Directory is a valuable historical resource for maritime research, specifically focused on the shipping and maritime industry of the Great Lakes. The directory provides comprehensive information about vessels, shipping companies, and maritime activities in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key Features of Beeson’s Marine Directory:
1.Vessel Listings:
•The directory provides detailed records of ships and vessels that operated on the Great Lakes. This includes the vessel’s name, dimensions, tonnage, construction details, ownership, and home port.
2.Maritime Companies:
•Information about shipping companies, maritime businesses, and shipyards operating on the Great Lakes is included, offering insight into the commercial landscape of the region’s maritime industry.
3.Personnel Information:
•The directory often lists key personnel such as ship captains, engineers, and other crew members, making it a valuable resource for genealogists or historians researching individuals involved in Great Lakes shipping.
4.Port and Harbor Information:
•Detailed data about ports, harbors, and maritime infrastructure along the Great Lakes, including lighthouse locations, dock facilities, and navigational aids, helping to map out the major hubs of maritime trade and navigation.
5.Historical Context:
•The directory captures a snapshot of Great Lakes shipping during a time when it was a critical part of North America’s economy, with thousands of vessels transporting goods across the region.
Accessing Beeson’s Marine Directory:
The original versions of Beeson’s Marine Directory were published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the directory can often be found in:
•Maritime museums and historical societies focused on Great Lakes history.
•University libraries that have specialized collections on maritime and shipping history.
•Digital archives such as those maintained by institutions like Bowling Green State University’s Historical Collections of the Great Lakes.
In some cases, portions of the directory may be digitized and available online through historical archives or maritime research websites.
Useful Resources for Access:
•Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (BGSU): bgsu.edu/library
•Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: thunderbay.noaa.gov