Shipbuilding Along The Kennebec River

The Henry B. Hyde was launched in November of 1884 at the Chapman & Flint yard in Bath, Maine. Built for the lucrative San Francisco trade she rounded the Horn 16 times and, was generally considered the finest “Downeaster” ever built. At 267 LOA, 45 foot beam and 2,583 ton, she is shown here making ready for her maiden voyage. This was a treacherous prospect during Maine’s brutal winter as the frequent Northeasters took the lives of many sailors. View Artist’s Biography