Editing Hammondsport, New York (section)

===Steamboats===
Hammondsport, on the shore of Keuka Lake, had several docks that accommodated lake-faring vessels that were typically used for trading and ferrying, transporting people and goods between Hammondsport and Penn Yan. The first vessel to set upon the waters of Keuka Lake was a [[schooner]] called ''The Sally'', built in 1808 at Hammondsport by George McClure for the purpose of transporting wheat and other goods from Penn Yan to Hammondsport, where it would be shipped to market in New York.<ref name=palmer1998schooner>[[#palmer1998schooner|Palmer, 1998, fall]], Journal article</ref>{{efn|Various prominent businessmen in the Finger Lakes region criticized McClure for his effort as they felt this prospect ran contrary to the [[Embargo Act of 1807]] imposed on Britain by [[President Jefferson]].<ref>mcmaster1853|McMaster, 1853]], p. 140</ref>}}  McClure played a fundamental role in Hammondsport's business development.<ref name=hakes323/>  When steam power came into common use there were several steamboats running on [[Keuka Lake]] in 1835. The first built was called the ''Keuka Maid'', a [[sidewheeler]] of 85 feet in length.<ref name=sherer95>[[#sherer1995|Sherer, 1995]], Journal article</ref> In the latter half of the 1800s Hammondsport became the home to various steamboat manufacturers which included A. W. Springstead and the Union Dry Dock Company. In 1892 the Dry Dock  company  built the ''Mary Bell'', considered "The Queen of Lake Keuka",  which was the largest steamboat ever to operate on the lake.<ref>[[#mitchell2002|Mitchell, 2002]], pp. 47, 51</ref> Some steamboats met an unusual fate while docked at Hammondsport.  The ''Steuben'' sank while docked there from a hull that developed leaks due to engine vibration.<ref>[[#mitchell2002|Mitchell, 2002]], p. 53</ref> In 1909 the ''Cricket'' caught fire and was damaged beyond repair while docked at Hammondsport.<ref>[[#mitchell2002|Mitchell, 2002]], p. 49</ref> By 1921, with the increased use of gasoline powered trucks and cars, large boat traffic on the lake was no longer economically feasible: The ''Mary Bell'' was the last large vessel to make the run between Hammondsport and Penn Yan on opposite ends of the lake.<ref name=sherer95/>

In the 1850s the farming industry began to decline when the Erie Railroad came through the area, which subsequently reduced lake traffic. During this time, however, [[viticulture]] began to materialize as a new and promising industry, as the temperate climate and well-drained soil along the shores of the lake were ideal for growing grapes. Charles Champlin's [[Pleasant Valley Wine Company]] was the first vineyard established in the Hammondsport area, which was followed by Walter Taylor's vineyard, and others. Winemakers from France, including Jules D. Masson, who introduced new varieties of grapes from that country. The Bath and Hammondsport Railroad soon emerged, which connected to the Erie Railroad in Bath eight miles south of Hammondsport, which brought in more people and business to Hammondsport.<ref>[[#trimble2010|Trimble, 2010]], pp. 1-2</ref>
[[File:Hammondsport map, 1873.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Hammondsport historical map, with listing of businesses]]