Leviathan Metal Works began as a 19th-century manufacturing plant for marine steam engines located in New York City.
Originally founded in 1838 as Poseidon Engine Works, the plant was later renamed to Leviathan Metal Works as it expanded beyond steam engines and into metal fabrication for shipping and shipbuilding in the New York City area. Poseidon Engine Works played a key role in the growth of the city's early shipping industry, and made notable contributions to the Union's naval presence during the Civil War.
“Poseidon Engine Works was notable for high quality and rapid manufacture, producing at least 144 engines between 1838 and 1867, including 23 for U.S. Navy vessels during the American Civil War.”
Dawning of a New Age: The 20th Century
Delivery of new machinery to Leviathan Metal Works, c.1910
In 1907, Leviathan Metal Works expanded its facilities along the Manhattan waterfront with additional metal fabrication and machining, including the construction of the first propulsion screw repair facility in New York State. When the War Department dramatically expanded shipbuilding during World War I, Leviathan Metal Works was ready to supply fabricated parts to the rapidly growing shipbuilding industry. In the post-war era, Leviathan participated in the massive repair and conversion contracts to re-purpose military and merchant marine vessels for civilian use.
A delivery truck used by Leviathan Metal Works, c. 1917
Starting in the 1920s, and extending through the start of the Great Depression, U.S. shipbuilding slowed due to lack of demand and excess capacity on the global scale. During this time, Leviathan Metal Works reduced capacity dramatically, and nearly entered bankruptcy twice before successfully reaching a subleasing contract for part of their forge and fabrication facilities.
Ezekiel Church: Foreman, Mentor, Tyrant
Ezekiel Church inspecting a metal press, c. 1946
Ezekiel Church joined Leviathan Metal Works in 1935 as Lead Fabrication Supervisor.
With the formation of the U.S. Maritime Commission by President Roosevelt in 1936, Leviathan Metal Works began a process of retooling and re-equipping. It was at this time that Ezekiel Church was promoted to Foreman, becoming responsible for all in-shop operational activities of Leviathan Metal Works.
The Second World War
At the peak of production in World War II, Leviathan Metal Works employed 300 people working 24 hours a day.