Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
1. Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton Marker
Fishing Schooner
L.A. Dunton
Built: Arthur D. Story Yard
Essex, MA, 1921
Length: 123’
Beam: 24’ 11”
Draft: 12’ 3”
The L.A. Dunton represents the height of development among the all-sail ocean fishing vessels of the Northeast, before draggers like the Museum’s Roann made them obsolete. Fishing with hooks and lines handled by hardy dorymen, these fishing schooners combined the best features of speed, maneuverability, and stability.
Designed by Thomas McManus, the Dunton was owned and commanded by Captain Felix J. Hogan from 1921 to 1934. The Dunton made about 18 trips a year, ranging from Georges Bank off Cape Cod to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. She fished mostly for halibut in summer and haddock in winter, preserving her catch on ice for the trip back to Boston, then the nation’s principla fish market. When she caught cod, it was commonly delivered to Gloucester to be salted and dried for shipment to distant markets.
When she retired from fishing during the Great Depression, Captain Hogan sold the Dunton to new owners in Newfoundland. As an engine-powered vessel with shortened masts and a pilothouse to shelter her wheel, she fished the Grand Banks for another 20 years.
The L.A. Dunton became a coastal freighter in 1955 and was purchased
this page online
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum. (Marker Number 1963.1705.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location. 41° 21.732′ N, 71° 57.897′ W. Marker is in Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County. It is in Mystic. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Changing Perceptions of the Natural World (here, next to this marker); Connecting Cultures (here, next to this marker); Whaleship Charles W. Morgan (here, next to this marker); The History of the Charles W. Morgan (a few steps from this marker); Perils and Profits (a few steps from this marker); Whaleboat (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Cod Catboat Breck Marshall
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
2. Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton.
Regarding Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1993
Also see . . .
1. Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. (Submitted on September 4, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. L. A. Dunton (schooner) on Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 4, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
3. Plaque on Bulkhead in Schooner
Built 1921
Essex, Massachusetts
Has been designated a
National Historic landmark
This schooner possesses national sigificance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
1993
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
4. On Deck Aboard the L.A. Dunton
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
5. Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,097 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 4, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
