Meet Donald McKay, Boston's Brilliant Boat Maker in the 19th Century

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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 bronze portrait medallion and ship reliefs on the obelisk were sculpted by Philip Sears.



There is also an heroic bust of Donald McKay at Bremen Street Park in East Boston, created in 2005 by noted sculptor Robert Shure. This six-foot-high statue faces the location of the former shipyard in East Boston where his clipper ships were built.  

McKay is considered a National Historic Person in Canada, and there is a plaque in his honor in Jordan Falls, N.S.

McKay also had proud Scottish roots.  His grandfather, also named Donald, was from Tain, Ross-Shire, one of many Scottish Highlanders who came to the colonies during the American Revolution. 

Research + Text, Michael Quinlin


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