Sailing the Sweetwater Seas: Wooden Boats and Ships on the Great Lakes, 1817–1940

Before the development of railroad lines and roads in the late 19th century, the Great Lakes served as the primary transportation route in the Americas, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and ideas. This book explores the history of ships and boats on the Great Lakes, highlighting their role in connecting the far-reaching regions of the United States, establishing an industrial base, and contributing to the nation's growth and development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Before the advent of railroad lines and roads in the late 19th century, the Great Lakes served as the primary thoroughfare across the Americas. This captivating book delves into the history of the ships and boats that played a pivotal role in the United States' journey to the heart of the country, establishing a robust industrial base and becoming a global superpower, despite enduring a devastating Civil War. The "five sisters," as the Great Lakes were affectionately known, would become the lifelines connecting the vast expanse of the American continent in the coming century. They carried waves of Irish, German, and Scandinavian settlers to new horizons, as the young nation expanded westward. Initially, schooner fleets transported passengers and goods to settlements along the lakes, including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, and returned east with bountiful harvests of grain, lumber, and iron ore. As the era progressed, steam-driven vessels, including opulent "palace" passenger steamers, joined the fray, along with specialized ships designed to transport coal, grain, and iron ore. This period also witnessed the flourishing of the shipbuilding industry, and recreational boating saw significant advancements. In words and photographs, this book transports readers back to a bygone era, showcasing the bravery and ingenuity of the mariners and the iconic Mackinaw Boats, schooners, and steamboats that propelled the young nation westward. It serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration and innovation that defined the United States in its formative years.

Weight: 1107g
Dimension: 226 x 290 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493072279