WHY THE
WILLIAMS SHIPYARD?
Essex contained larger shipyard which built much larger vessels
and continued to operate decades longer – so why focus on the
Williams Shipyard? For three significant reasons:
FROM AN INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVE
it operated as a fully integrated vertical enterprise. The sawmill produced lumber
required for ship construction. An ironworks produced hardware. The ships were
built at the launching way which was adjacent to the sawmill. Vessels in-service were
repaired at the repair yard adjacent to the launching way.
FROM AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
it attests to Connecticut’s robust West Indies trade which existed during the late 18th
and early 19th centuries. During this time it was said that every back yard in Essex
which bordered the Connecticut River had a ship under construction.
FROM AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
so much of its basic infrastructure remains intact. Portions of the dam, raceways, grist
mill foundation, Hough House foundation and the sawmill (now a private residence)
are all visible above ground. Not visible and safely preserved below the sediment of
Falls River Cove and adjacent grounds lie the bulkhead, launching way and ships’
house foundation. Other early 19th century shipyard remains may exist but as of yet
have not been identified.
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