Louis Shickluna 1808-1880
Text from the plaque
A prominent Canadian shipbuilder, Shickluna was born in Malta, where he worked before emigrating to North America. By 1835 he was engaged in ship construction at Youngstown, New York. Three years later, attracted by the traffic stimulated by the Welland Canal's completion in 1833, he purchased a shipyard on the Canal at St. Catharines. Shickluna steadily expanded his operations, which contributed significantly to the commercial prosperity of the region. Between 1838 and 1880 he directed the construction of over 140 schooners, barkentines, steamers and other vessels designed primarily for service on the Great Lakes, thereby promoting the development of inland navigation in Canada. Following Shickluna's death, his son, Joseph continued to operate the St. Catharines shipyard until 1892.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The Region of Niagara
The City of St. Catharines
On the northwest corner of
St. Paul Street West and Yates Street
just east of the bridge over Highway 406
Also recorded for this place: The Region of Niagara
N 43 09.223 W 79 14.835
Recorded October 2010. Check current access before visiting.
More information
Where it stands
Visitors' notes
July 5, 2011
Well, Mr. Shickluna was my Great-Great Grandfather; or something to that affect. My last name is "Holmes" & I grew up in Niagara Falls, NY. My Grandfather (Fred G. Holmes) came to the USA in the early 1900's & I believe there was a "falling-out" of sorts with him & the Shickluna's. Wonder if there are any 'Shickluna' Family members still around?? If so, feel free to contact me (Don) at Thanks!!
August 9, 2008
As a Maltese-Canadian, I feel very proud to see this recognition of the positive contribution Louis has made to the navagation on the Great Lakes.