Building a Connection to the World

The first vessel known to have been built in Yarmouth was launched by John Sollows at Fish Point in 1764. Over the years, many ships were built in nearby communities such as Argyle, Tusket, Plymouth, Salmon River, Meteghan, and Belliveau's Cove as well as in the six shipyards on Yarmouth Harbour.
A ready supply of timber and a skilled workforce of shipwrights, marine blacksmiths, riggers, and sailmakers all contributed to the success of the shipbuilding industry. In 1879, Yarmouth recorded the 2^nd largest registered tonnage of vessels in Canada. At the time, Canada was the 4^th ranking shipping nation in the world.
[Photo captions, from left to right, read]
Ferry Dartmouth under construction at the Burrell-Johnson Shipyard, 1888. The Dartmouth provided ferry service between Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia from 1888 until 1935.
The schooner Irene C is nearing completion on the right.
Shipbuilders at work on the motor vessel W. D. Sweeney in 1942 at the W. Lawrence Sweeney Shipyard.
Background [photo]
John D. Kirk and Walter D. Sweeney Shipyard on Water Street at the foot of Pearl Street, Yarmouth. Two large schooners are shown on the stocks during the First World War.
The schooner Grace and Ruby the first ship launched
at the Kirk and Sweeney Shipyard, August 8, 1918. The shipyard was located at the present (2003) site of the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal.
Shipyards known to have been in operation around Yarmouth Harbour.
Stages of construction of the four masted schooner Letitia L. McKay at Meteghan in 1916.
Oval [photo]
A Burell-Johnson Iron Company blueprint. It is not known if a vessel was built from these plans.
The barquentine Baldwin was built at Meteghan, Nova Scotia in 1891 for the purpose of carrying locomotives manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, USA to Argentina. She later went on to carry other cargoes including lumber, coal, and salt.

Learn more about Yarmouth's heritage at the Yarmouth County Museum and Archives, 22 Collins Street.

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