KATHERINE M. LEE (Schooner)
Fox's Dock at Front and Lombard Sts., Leipsic, DEThe Katherine M. Lee was built by Parsons Bill Boats in Greenwich, New Jersey, and launched as a sail-powered oyster schooner in 1912. This boat has always been used on Delaware Bay and sailed out of Leipsic or Port Mahon harbor. An early photograph of the Katherine M. Lee shows the vessel dredging for oysters on the New Jersey coast. At the time of the photograph, Katherine M. Lee was working under sail with a two-masted arrangement and forward jib. The two masts were slightly raked sternward with the dredging machinery located almost directly amidships. A low cabin stood toward the rear of the schooner with the wheel located immediately behind the hatchway leading below deck. The lower area of the vessel was primarily used for storage and sleeping areas with a cooking and dining area situated beneath the cabin. The oysters and other cargo were typically carried on deck.
The Katherine M. Lee continued to work the Delaware Bay as an oyster schooner. The rigging was removed in the 1940s when the vessel was converted to diesel power. The bowsprit and both masts have been totally removed. A pilot house was added to the top of the original cabin to accommodate new steering gear and navigation equipment. The cabin is still in its original condition and was not altered, except for the slight flattening of the roof. The vessel has a seventy-foot keel, eighty-five-foot overall length, nineteen-foot beam, and six-foot draft. The hull is composed of sawn timbers fixed in place with iron spikes and protected with wooden plugs. The carvel-planked hull is seamed with a combination of cotton, oakum, and seaming compound. All the framing is of white oak.
MAGGIE S. MYERS, ANNIE R. SHILLINGSBURG and KATHERINE M. LEE The schooners are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historie Places under Criterion C because they describe regional shipbuilding and design as they evolved in the nineteenth-century Delaware Bay. Due to their connection with the Delaware Bay oyster industry, the schooners are also eligible for listing under Criterion A. The significance of the Maggie S. Myers, Annie R. Shillingsburg, and Katherine M. Lee lies in their documentation of the actual working of the Delaware oyster trade and their description of a regional boat type. All three vessels, as was the case with almost all of the oyster schooners sailing out of Delaware in the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries, were built in New Jersey boatyard.
Throughout their history, these three boats were registered in Delaware with Delaware captains. On occasion when Delaware crews were not available, the schooners were taken by their shippers to the New Jersey side of the Bay to be fully manned. As a boat type, the "Jersey schooner" was a two-masted vessel with a large jib sail, broad beam, and shallow draft. In the 1940s, both the New Jersey and Delaware fleets were converted to power dredging utilizing diesel engines. In the conversion process, the sail rigging was removed, the masts cut down in size or taken out, and the bowsprits cut back to the hull. Despite these visible changes, the basic hulls of the vessels retained their integrity as regards boat building technology and ship design that evolved during the nineteenth century to meet the need for an efficient and reliable means of harvesting the rich oyster beds of the Delaware Bay. That the boats continue to be used in the same manner indicates a highly successful work method combining boat, dredge, and man.
The Maggie S. Meyers, Annie R. Shillingsburg, and Katherine M. Lee anchored in Leipsie Harbor continue to be maintained and used for oyster dredging in the waters of Delaware Bay.
Local significance of the structure:
The Katherine M. Lee continued to work the Delaware Bay as an oyster schooner. The rigging was removed in the 1940s when the vessel was converted to diesel power. The bowsprit and both masts have been totally removed. A pilot house was added to the top of the original cabin to accommodate new steering gear and navigation equipment. The cabin is still in its original condition and was not altered, except for the slight flattening of the roof. The vessel has a seventy-foot keel, eighty-five-foot overall length, nineteen-foot beam, and six-foot draft. The hull is composed of sawn timbers fixed in place with iron spikes and protected with wooden plugs. The carvel-planked hull is seamed with a combination of cotton, oakum, and seaming compound. All the framing is of white oak.
MAGGIE S. MYERS, ANNIE R. SHILLINGSBURG and KATHERINE M. LEE The schooners are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historie Places under Criterion C because they describe regional shipbuilding and design as they evolved in the nineteenth-century Delaware Bay. Due to their connection with the Delaware Bay oyster industry, the schooners are also eligible for listing under Criterion A. The significance of the Maggie S. Myers, Annie R. Shillingsburg, and Katherine M. Lee lies in their documentation of the actual working of the Delaware oyster trade and their description of a regional boat type. All three vessels, as was the case with almost all of the oyster schooners sailing out of Delaware in the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries, were built in New Jersey boatyard.
Throughout their history, these three boats were registered in Delaware with Delaware captains. On occasion when Delaware crews were not available, the schooners were taken by their shippers to the New Jersey side of the Bay to be fully manned. As a boat type, the "Jersey schooner" was a two-masted vessel with a large jib sail, broad beam, and shallow draft. In the 1940s, both the New Jersey and Delaware fleets were converted to power dredging utilizing diesel engines. In the conversion process, the sail rigging was removed, the masts cut down in size or taken out, and the bowsprits cut back to the hull. Despite these visible changes, the basic hulls of the vessels retained their integrity as regards boat building technology and ship design that evolved during the nineteenth century to meet the need for an efficient and reliable means of harvesting the rich oyster beds of the Delaware Bay. That the boats continue to be used in the same manner indicates a highly successful work method combining boat, dredge, and man.
The Maggie S. Meyers, Annie R. Shillingsburg, and Katherine M. Lee anchored in Leipsie Harbor continue to be maintained and used for oyster dredging in the waters of Delaware Bay.
Engineering
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Delaware River, which borders the District of Delaware, played a significant role in the American Revolution. In December 1776, General George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to launch a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.