St. Joseph in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Shipbuilding in the Twin Cities
Shipbuilders were specialized woodworkers who used limited machinery to produce highly crafted vessels. One prominent local shipwright, James H. Randall, directed the construction of the steamships Lora (1882), City of St. Joseph (1883), and Puritan (1887) for the Graham and Morton Transportation Company.
Ships were built here until the turn of the 20th century. As the shipping industry demanded larger vessels, area yards turned their attention to building smaller boats for work and recreation.
(Upper Photo Caption)
Late 19th century view of the E.W. Heath Shipyard, Benton Harbor, where freighters and harbor tugs were built.
Photo: The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
(Middle Photo Caption)
The PURITAN enters St. Joseph Harbor in the late 19th century.
Photo: The Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University
(Lower Photo Caption)
The steam freighter PURITAN, shown just after its launch in the Benton Harbor Ship Canal, 1887.
Photo: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University
Erected by City of St. Joseph, The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, and the Public History Program at Western Michigan University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 42° 6.706′ N, 86° 28.81′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Water Street east of State Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Joseph MI 49085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Recreational Boating (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Shipping (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Lighthouse Supply Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Boatbuilding Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph River Swing Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Joseph's Firemen (about 500 feet away); Creating a Harbor (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.
More about this marker. The marker is the seventh of 12 interpretive signs along the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are the markers of the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail. To study the markers in their order along the trail, read each marker in the order shown.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 696 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.