Funneling down from the northern reaches of the White Mountains, large logs would be floated down, down past the Pawtucket Falls and into the ready arms of the shipbuilders at the Lower Merrimack River. Spawned by a ready-supply of lumber; shipyards began to pop up in the surrounding communities. Some handled the massive ships with large tonnage. Others specialized in coast vessels, or as in the Lowell Boat Ship; accessory boats for the merchant ships and the whaler. Though some only existed for a short time, due to mergers or changing markets; these places of construction dotted all along the river. Below is a short list of all the shipyards that existed in the area.
Building the main haul was just the first major step. After completion of a major vessel, it would be floated down to a Rigger’s Wharf; where it would be outfitted with lines, sails and all the fine features of a major oceanic vessel. From there, empty of all cargo; it would be floated over the ‘bar’ at the mouth of the river, and sent off to Boston and New York harbors, and more than likely; never seen again in these parts.
“A ship is designed for sailing on the open seas; not to sit idle, majestic and safe in port.”
Amesbury:
Newburyport:
Gerrish Shipyard
Jackman Shipyard
Moggridge and Merrill Shipyard
[William] Currier & McKay Shipyard
Salisbury:
Hardy Brothers Shipyard
John Fitts Shipyard
John F. Lee Shipyard
Joseph Coffin Shipyard
Lemuel Marquand Shipyard
Michael Hodge Shipyard