Christian Bergh

Christian Bergh (April 30, 1763 – June 24, 1843) was an American shipwright based in New York. He was known for not allowing drinking and was the first shipbuilder to employ African Americans at his shipyard. He contributed to the advances in the design and speed of 19th century sailing vessels.

Career

Bergh began shipbuilding in 1798 before the War of 1812. He was appointed by the US government, with naval constructor William Doughty, to construct the 44-gun frigate President, which was completed in April 1800 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Bergh established a shipyard at Corlears Hook along the East River in the early 1800s. It was called Christian Bergh & Co. He built the following ships: North America (1804), Gypsey (1805), Galloway (1807), Canton (1809), Don Quixotte (1823), Ed Quesnel (1824), Paris (1824), and El Bonaffee (1824).

Jacob Aaron Westervelt was an apprentice for Christian Bergh in 1817 for five years.

Christian Bergh retired in 1837 having contributed to the advances in the design and speed of ships and a wealthy man.

Death

Christian Bergh died on June 24, 1843, at age 81, in New York City. He is buried at the St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery Churchyard, in New York City.