By the late 1840's, the shipbuilding industry was well established throughout the Maritime Provinces. Two of the leading shipbuilders of Saint John, N.B. were Richard and William Wright. The Oregon, one of their early vessels, was built in 1846 and measured 928 tons. Like many vessels of this period, it was built for immediate sale in England.
To the Wright Brothers goes the credit of building some of the largest ships constructed in Canada. Both the Ship White Star, built in 1854 and the Ship Morning Light, built in 1855 were over 2300 tons register and were the two largest vessels built in the Maritimes, not to be surpassed until the construction of the William D. Lawrence at Maitland, N.S. in 1874.
This beautiful painting of the Ship Oregon shows her under full sail including stindding sails. The main sail is being clewed up (that is drawn up to the yard) in preparation for furling.
Note especially the enormous top sails with their rows of reef bands used to reduce the sail area in stormy weather. Note also the small brig and a sloop under the bowsprit of the Oregon and the sternview of a large ship on the right.
