Henry Eckford (shipbuilder) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Eckford
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| Born | 12 March 1775 Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland
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| Died | 12 November 1832 (aged 57) |
| Resting place | St. George's Episcopal Church cemetery, Hempstead, New York |
| Occupation | Naval architect, shipbuilder, industrial engineer, politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1791–1832 |
| Relatives | John Black (ca. 1764–after 1819), uncle Joseph Rodman Drake (1795–1820), son-in-law James Ellsworth De Kay (1792–1851), son-in-law |
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Henry Eckford (born March 12, 1775 – died November 12, 1832) was a very talented shipbuilder and engineer. He was born in Scotland but became famous in America. He designed and built ships for the United States Navy and later for the navy of the Ottoman Empire. After his success in the War of 1812, he became an important person in New York City's business and politics.
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Early Life of Henry Eckford
Growing Up in Scotland
Henry Eckford was born in Kilwinning, Scotland, on March 12, 1775. He was the youngest of five sons. His family soon moved to Irvine, where he went to school. There, he became a lifelong friend of John Galt, who later became a famous writer. As a young boy, Henry learned how to be a ship's carpenter in Ayrshire, likely at the shipyard in Irvine.
Learning to Build Ships
In 1791, when he was 16, Henry left Scotland and never returned. He started a five-year apprenticeship with his uncle, John Black. His uncle was a well-known shipbuilder in Lower Canada (now part of Canada). Henry learned quickly and showed a natural talent for designing and building ships.
When his uncle moved to Kingston on Lake Ontario, Henry followed to continue his training. However, they soon went their separate ways. Henry stayed in Kingston to keep learning about shipbuilding. In 1794, he joined a Freemason group, which he stayed involved with for many years.
In 1796, Henry finished his apprenticeship and became a "master builder." He then moved to the United States and settled in New York City. This city was growing fast and had a busy shipbuilding industry. He started working in a shipyard on the East River.
Henry Eckford's Family Life
In April 1799, Henry Eckford, then 24, married Marion Bedell, who was 20. They had nine children together. Their daughters, Sarah and Janet, married famous men. Sarah married the American poet Joseph Rodman Drake. Janet married the American zoologist James Ellsworth De Kay.
Building Ships in New York City
Starting His Own Shipyard
Around 1799 or 1800, Henry Eckford opened his own shipyard in Brooklyn. His first ship, the Sportsman, was built in 1800. Around 1802, he sold his yard and moved back to New York City. There, he started a new shipyard with a partner.
His new shipyard did very well. They built many ships that were easy to handle and good at sea. This helped Henry build a strong reputation as a skilled shipbuilder. He also became friends with other important people in New York, like John Jacob Astor, a very successful businessman.
Henry Eckford started working for the United States Navy in 1806. His shipyard built small coastal gunboats for the Navy. In 1808, he helped build the 14-gun brig USS Oneida on Lake Ontario. This project further boosted his reputation with the US Navy.
In 1809, Henry bought out his partner and became the sole owner of his shipyard. This yard became his main workplace for the rest of his life.
Famous Fast Ships
For John Jacob Astor, Henry built the brig Fox in 1809. This ship was incredibly fast because of its special design. It made the trip from Calcutta, India, to New York City in just 90 days. This was a record that stood for 40 years! The speed of his ships made Henry Eckford very famous.
In 1810, Henry took on Isaac Webb as an apprentice. Over the years, many other young people learned from Henry. They later became important ship designers and builders themselves. This helped spread shipbuilding knowledge across America.
Henry Eckford and the War of 1812
Building a Fleet on Lake Ontario
When the War of 1812 started in June 1812, Henry Eckford quickly offered his help to the US Navy. Commodore Isaac Chauncey was in charge of Navy forces on the Great Lakes. He knew Henry Eckford well. Chauncey asked Henry and other shipbuilders to help build a fleet of warships on Lake Ontario.
Henry closed his New York shipyard and traveled about 300 miles to Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario. He was the first to arrive and immediately started setting up a naval base and shipyard. By October 1812, he had already started building the 42-gun frigate USS Madison.
Super-Fast Ship Construction
Despite harsh winter weather, Henry quickly built not only a shipyard but also living quarters, a hospital, and offices. Sackets Harbor became a key US Navy base during the war. He had over 200 carpenters by April 1813 and over 800 men by January 1815.
At Sackets Harbor, Henry Eckford and other builders constructed all the US Navy warships launched on Lake Ontario during the war. They understood that building ships quickly was vital to win. They used a method where parts were made in New York City and then assembled at Sackets Harbor.
One amazing feat was building the Madison. It took only nine weeks from cutting the wood to launching the ship. It was launched just 45 days after its keel was laid in November 1812. They even beat that record later, building the frigate USS Mohawk in only five weeks! Smaller ships were built even faster.
A Wartime Hero
Henry Eckford lent a lot of money to the United States Government during the war. He faced financial challenges because the government had trouble paying him back. However, he always believed they would pay him eventually. His efforts were crucial for America's success on Lake Ontario.
Commodore Chauncey praised Henry Eckford, calling him unmatched in shipbuilding talent. He said Henry's efforts were "unexampled." Historians agree that Henry Eckford's ability to design and build ships so quickly, even in difficult conditions, kept America ahead in the war.
When the war ended in February 1815, Henry returned to New York City. He was celebrated as a national hero for his amazing work on the Great Lakes.
After the War: New Projects
Back in New York City, Henry Eckford continued his work. After the war, there wasn't as much demand for new ships. So, in 1817, he took a job as the chief naval constructor at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He probably saw this as a temporary job.
While there, he helped build the schooner USS Grampus, launched in 1821. This ship was known as one of the fastest schooners of its time. He also largely designed the 74-gun frigate USS Ohio, launched in 1820. This ship became a model for future "74s." Henry left the Navy Yard in 1820 to return to his private shipyard.
Back to Private Shipbuilding
Once back in private business, Henry Eckford built commercial ships again. He built ships like Isabella and Henry Astor for John Jacob Astor. He also built three lightships for the United States Government.
Henry Eckford's Other Interests
Henry Eckford's family became part of New York City's high society. He also expanded his business interests into shipping, banking, insurance, and publishing. He even got involved in politics. He served in the New York State Assembly from 1816 to 1817. He also served in the Electoral College.
Building Ships for Other Countries
In the 1820s, American shipyards started building ships for navies in other countries. Henry Eckford was part of this trend. For example, in 1830, he built a ship called Kensington for the Russian Navy, though it ended up being delivered to Mexico.
Helping the Ottoman Empire
After a major defeat in 1827, the Ottoman Empire needed help rebuilding its fleet. Henry Eckford decided to go to Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1831. He brought a new ship, the 26-gun corvette United States, hoping to sell it to the Ottomans.
The Sultan, Mahmud II, bought the ship and renamed it Mesir-i Ferah. He then hired Henry Eckford. Henry began building ships for the Ottoman Navy, including a small schooner, a frigate, and a 74-gun ship. He also started designing a huge 128-gun ship-of-the-line called Mahmoudieh. The Sultan was so impressed that he considered giving Henry a high imperial rank.
Henry Eckford's Legacy
Henry Eckford died suddenly in Constantinople on November 12, 1832, likely from cholera. His body was brought back to New York City on a ship named Henry Eckford. He is buried with his wife in Hempstead, New York.
How He is Remembered
The town council in North Ayrshire, Scotland, calls Henry Eckford "the father of the U.S. Navy."
Several 19th-century baseball teams were named after Henry Eckford. The most famous was Eckford of Brooklyn, a team made up mostly of local shipbuilders. They were national champions in 1862 and 1863. Today, a modern 19th-century baseball club, also called "Eckford of Brooklyn," plays games and has won several championships.
In the late 1800s, Henry Eckford was featured on cigar bands that honored important figures. He was alongside famous people like Andrew Carnegie and Samuel Morse.
The first steamboat with a special "compound engine," built in 1824, was named PS Henry Eckford in his honor.
One US Navy ship, the oiler USNS Henry Eckford (T-AO-192), was named after him. It was launched in 1989 but never finished.
Eckford Street in Greenpoint, New York, is named for Henry Eckford. Also, a group of lakes in the Adirondack Mountains that Henry surveyed in 1811 are called the Eckford chain.
