William Henry Webb

Biography

William Henry Webb, born in 1816, rose to prominence as one of America's leading 19th-century shipbuilders, transforming the East River yards with his mastery of iron and steel construction and an eye for graceful lines that could withstand both commerce and war.

His ships, from elegant clippers to powerful navy vessels, earned a reputation for quality that lasted long after his retirement, and he rests in Woodlawn Cemetery as a testament to the craftsmanship that shaped an era of maritime ambition.