The shipyard is significant for its contribution to marine engineering, including the first entirely-welded commercial ship built in the United States.
In the late-19th century, the wharves along Concord Street were home to naval store warehouses and Pregnall Brothers Shipyard, which was established in 1869.
In 1919, the yard was renamed Charleston Dry Dock & Machine Co.[1][2] In 1921, it was reported that the plant had an 8,500-ton floating drydock, with a 30-foot depth of water coming into the facility.
[1] Philip Simmons worked in, and also operated, a blacksmith shop at various locations adjacent to Charleston Dry Dock & Machine Company.
Two U.S. Coast Guard lightships built by Charleston Dry Dock & Machine Co., Frying Pan (LV-115)[7] and Chesapeake (LV-116), survive as museum ships as of 2017.