Meet Donald McKay, Boston's Brilliant Boat Maker in the 19th Century
For visitings enjoying Sail Boston's Tall Ship promenade this week, take a minute to check out two memorials to Boston's most famous boat maker, Donald McKay (1810-1880). Born in Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, Donald was one of 16 sons and daughters born to Hugh and Ann McPherson McKay. At age 22, he moved to New York and became a ship carpenter's apprentice, working at various shipyard in the Northeast. By age 30, he had achieved Master Ship Building status in Newburyport, MA. Backed by Boston merchant Enoch Trail, McKay built 49 vessels between 1845-1853 in his East Boston shipyard, hailed for their speed, agility and size. His most famous ship was the Flying Cloud built in 1851, which set a record for sailing from New York to San Francisco in 89 days, two months quicker than the previous record. Castle Island Monument to Donald McKay In 1933, the Donald McKay Monument was unveiled on Castle Island , designed by architect William T. Aldrich. The bron...