13 Facts About Christian Bergh

Christian Bergh, was the oldest and one of the first American shipbuilders in New York.

Christian Bergh was known for not allowing drinking and was the first shipbuilder to employ African Americans at his shipyard.

Christian Bergh contributed to the advances in the design and speed of 19th century sailing vessels.

Christian Bergh married Elizabeth Ivers in 1800 in Stonington, New London, Connecticut.

Christian Bergh 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.

Christian Bergh established a shipyard at Corlears Hook along the East River in the early 1800s.

Christian Bergh built the following ships: North America, Gypsey, Galloway, Canton, Don Quixotte, Ed Quesnel, Paris, and El Bonaffee.

Christian Bergh was later the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in April, 1866.

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

Christian Bergh died on June 24,1843, at age 81, in New York City.

Christian Bergh is buried at the St Mark's Church in-the-Bowery Churchyard, in New York City.

Christian Bergh, was the first to raise the Character of Yankee packet ships to a height which as yet has been unapproached by any foreign nation.

The pilot-boat Christian Bergh, was most likely named in honor of Bergh as it was built by Westervelt in 1851.