South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Shipbuilding
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
1. Shipbuilding Marker
Between 1866 and 1902, more than 50 wooden ships were built at shipyards along the banks of the Black River. The construction of these ships was financed by the ship owners, local merchants, groups of shareholders, and small shipping companies. Shipyards employed carpenters, joiners, caulkers, mast makers, riggers and other skilled workers.
Shipbuilding declined during the early 1900s, as South Haven's economy increasingly catered to the resort industry. Although today's recreational boats are largely constructed out of fiberglass, the tradition of small wooden boatbuilding continues in South Haven.
Erected by South Haven Municipal Marina & Michigan Maritime Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 42° 24.29′ N, 86° 16.679′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker is on Black River Street, 0.2 miles south of Dyckman Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located on the Harbor Walk, at the South Haven Maritime Docks, beside the sidewalk, overlooking the marina. Touch for map.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Entertainment Around the Harbor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Algonquin Legends of South Haven (about 500 feet away); A Peach of a Man (about 600 feet away); A Farming Heritage (about 700 feet away); Commercial Shipping (about 700 feet away); Captains of Industry (about 700 feet away); Strike Up the Band! (about 700 feet away); Downtown's Rich History (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.
More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts. Marker is part of South Haven's Harbor Walk series.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. South Haven Harbor Walk
Also see . . . South Haven Harbor Walk. This South Haven Harbor Walk map shows the location of this and other historical markers in South Haven. (Submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
1890
2. Marker detail: On the Banks of the Black River
Shipyard workers and visitors pose at the building site of the steamer, Myrtie M. Ross in 1890.
circa 1882
3. Marker detail: The Cupid
Workers pose for this photo of the tug Cupid, built in South Haven in 1882.
1892
4. Marker detail: Ship Launch
The City of Kalamazoo being launched in 1892. The City of Kalamazoo was built by the Williams Transportation Company and was the largest ship ever built in South Haven. The ship was destroyed by fire in 1911.
5. Marker detail: The City of Kalamazoo
In 1892, the City of Kalamazoo was built here, close to the present location of the Maritime Museum. Built for the passenger steamship trade between South Haven and Chicago, the City of Kalamazoo accommodated 500 passengers.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
6. Shipbuilding Marker (wide view; South Haven Maritime Docks in background)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
