The historic Matton Shipyard is a rare surviving example of an early 20th century ship building and repair facility. From 1916 to 1983, Matton workers built more than 340 tug boats, police boats, WWII submarine chasers, and other vessels.
Matton Shipyard is located in Peebles Island State Park at the junction of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. It is strategically linked to several land and water-based recreational trails.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor recently completed general site cleanup and building abatement activities at the historic Matton Shipyard in Cohoes.
More than 27,000 pounds of debris was removed. Several structures determined beyond repair were taken down after being documented through architectural drawings and photographs. Major buildings that remain are now environmentally safe.
The next step is to hire a professional firm to develop engineering and design plans for building and shoreline stabilization, soil remediation for a portion of the shipyard property, and to develop a painting and restoration plan for the building’s facades.
Working in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are creating several interpretive signs to highlight the history of the Shipyard for people using the Empire State Trail, which passes just outside of the site.
More information and photos from the historic shipyard can be found on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor website.
Photos provided: Matton Shipyard ca 1949; and a recent photo of the clean-up.
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