OUR HISTORY
Rockland Harbor is celebrated as one of the most beautifully shaped natural harbors on the East Coast of the United States. Its prime location on the western inner edge of a broad harbor grants vessels straightforward access, making it a valuable asset for maritime activity. However, the harbor does face challenges, offering limited protection against northeasterly and southeasterly winds and storms. This factor has contributed to a slower pace of maritime development compared to other coastal ports in Maine.
The town of Rockland was officially established by the Maine Legislature on April 1, 1850, and became a city in 1854. A key development in its maritime history was the construction of a breakwater, which was approved in 1890 and completed on October 15, 1901, marking a significant step in enhancing the harbor’s capability.
Rockland Marine Corporation boasts a remarkable history that began in 1854 when Ephraim Hall and his partners acquired the land and founded the Rockland Marine Railway Company. They built the first marine railway, now referred to as Railway #1, which became essential for the construction and repair of wooden vessels. However, in 1857, a devastating accident occurred, leading to significant liabilities that forced the owners into receivership and ultimately resulted in the abandonment of the yard. In July 1862, the yard was auctioned off and successfully acquired by the Snow family for the sum of $4,000.
This shipyard, then owned by the Snow Family for many years under various business names, was affectionately known as the “Snow Shipyards.” The Snows were unrivaled in Maine for their wooden vessel construction, and the commendation “She is a Snow vessel” became a mark of excellence among sailors. With a rich background of seamen and sea captains, the Snow family understood the nuances of vessel design and construction like no other.
In 1937, the family sold the shipyard, which changed hands twice before becoming Rockland Marine Corporation in 1991. This transformation not only preserved a piece of maritime history but also set the stage for its continued success in the maritime industry.
Explore our brief timeline below, showcasing some of the remarkable vessels built in our workshops and view how the Snows Shipyard established industry standards through its dedication to quality and craftsmanship, shaping the maritime landscape for generations and helping to make Rockland Marine Corporation the shipyard that it is today.
Snow, Farwell & Co. constructed a total of 15 documented vessels. The first vessel, the Schooner Catawamteak, was completed in 1864. It had a billeted head bow, square stern, two masts, and one deck. According to folklore, the name “Catawamteak” was suggested by a local Native American Indian and was derived from the “Great Landing Place” which later became Lermond’s Cove. The construction cost was $10,000.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 267
Snow, Pearsons & Co. constructed a total of 13 documented vessels. The first vessel, the Bark John R. Stanhope was completed in 1877. It measured 3 meters and had a billeted head bow, square stern, three masts, and two decks. Originally intended to be a Schooner, the deck line was later raised by two feet, transforming it into a Bark. This vessel was the only Bark built by the Snows, and it was the only sailing vessel of the Snow fleet to travel around the globe twice during one voyage. The building cost was $28,000.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 297
I.L. Snow & Co. constructed a total of 7 documented vessels. The third vessel, the Ferry Governor Brann completed in 1936, had round decks on both ends as it was a double ender, able to travel in either direction. It was powered by a 160HP Fairbanks-Morse diesel engine with double-ended drive. The vessel featured a propeller and rudder on each end of the hull, along with ice guards to protect the rudders during winter. It had the capacity to carry eight 15 ft. vehicles and its construction cost was $30,000.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 369
Snow Shipyards Inc. was the final family-owned company of the Snow family’s shipyard. They built a total of 24 documented vessels. The second vessel, a Dragger named North Star was completed in 1940. It was a 120-foot beam dragger with a hull displacement of 515 long tons, featuring a plain bow and round stern. The yard had the distinction of being the only one awarded a certificate from the American Bureau of Shipping for building a Class A-1 wooden dragger, with the North Star being its second vessel to earn this title. The construction cost was $145,000. In 1941, the company entered into government contracts for the Navy during World War II, building dozens of Mine Layers, Mine Sweepers and Submarine chasers. The Snow family sold the company in 1946.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 391
General Seafoods Corp. purchased Snow Shipyards, Inc. primarily to use the railways and facilities for their own fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels. The yard was then known as, “Forty Fathoms” They constructed a total of 2 “twin” documented vessels. The second vessel, a 1 meter Oyster boat named Greenport pictured with her twin, named Milford), was completed in 1946. At 50 Gross Tons, it featured a plain head bow, round knuckle stern, one mast, and one deck.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 454
General Foods Corp. was the parent company of General Seafoods Corp. As before, they primarily used the yard for the repair and maintenance of their fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels. They built one documented vessel and 11 undocumented steel tugs. The documented vessel, the Henry O. Underwood was completed in 1949. She was a 43 Gross Ton Sardine Carrier and the last wooden vessel built in the yard.
Image courtesy of the Bertram G. Snow collection, The Main Beam pg. 456
National Sea Products purchased the yard in 1957. While they chose not to construct new vessels, similar to their predecessors General Seafoods, they effectively utilized the shipyard to ensure the maintenance and operational efficiency of their ground-fishing fleets.
Image courtesy of Perry Holmes.
ROCKLAND MARINE CORPORATION
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to John I. Snow III and his family, as well as to the Sail Power and Steam Museum. Their generous permissions, and invaluable assistance in providing Rockland Marine with photographs and historical information have been essential to our efforts.
Thank you for helping us preserve and celebrate our maritime heritage!
For a more comprehensive history of the Rockland Marine Corporation shipyard, as well as the shipbuilding legacy of Rockland, Maine, and the surrounding maritime region, consider reading The Main Beam or visiting the Sail Power and Steam Museum. The museum is located next door on land that was once part of the original Snow’s Shipyard.
