PACKET BOATS 1829-1844
Did you know that "Packet" boats, which were designed for domestic mail, freight transportation, and passenger service, were commonly used in and around the Southold area in the 18th century and 19th centuries. The boats had regularly scheduled runs and were important in the transport of goods and communications. They were named for the "packets" or packages that they carried.
The list attached here documents the various packet boats that traveled from Southold to Sag Harbor (and other North Fork locations) in the days before the railroad. The railroad put many of these small firms out of business as it was cheaper and faster to use the railroad. The list includes the name of the ships, their masters, the date and the towns that were served. Compiled by Geoffrey K. Fleming
The key for those places that are only identified with initials/abbreviations are:
(CT) - Connecticut
(Greenp.) - Greenport
(J or James) - Jamesport
(N.S.) - New Suffolk
(O) - Orient
(R) - Riverhead
(S.H.) - Sag Harbor
(S.I.) - Shelter Island
(South) - Southold
(Temp./camp meeting) - Religious/temperance meeting
