Pensacola and Norwegian Ships and Shipping

Abstract

The history of the lumber milling industry in Pensacola began as early as 1763 during the British Period (1763–1781) in West Florida (Phillips, 1998:149). Later, during the Second Spanish Period (1783–1821), six water-powered mills operated in what was described as “the thriving local lumber industry” (Phillips, 1998:151). By the 1840s, steam began to be utilized for power, allowing the mills to move away from waterpower sources and closer to the shipping lanes. The exploitation of lumber resources exploded, and by 1875 Pensacola had developed as the state’s primary lumbering center because of its deep-water port and numerous streams and rivers in the region (Drobney, 1997:26). Pensacola was rebuilding after the Civil War and the lumber industry and associated maritime expansion revived the town. Lumber shipped from Pensacola had a value of over $50 million. Pensacola grew from approximately 3000 residents in 1870 to over 13,000 by 1882 (Keuchel, 1974:382). The town supported 16 major wharves in a three-mile strip between Bayou Texar and Bayou Chico. The increased production and growth drew an increased number of vessels into the harbor. Most vessels entered port in ballast, ready to take on cargo at one of the 16 wharves. Vessels also routinely loaded timber while floating in the bay.