Shipbuilding History

Orange TX

Joseph Weaver and Son was started in 1897, by Joe Weaver and George Levingston, to build barges for the Galveston Navigation District. Levingston moved on in 1914 and the yard was primarily a repair facility until World War II, managed by Joe Weaver's son, L. E. Weaver, and L. E.'s son, L. A. Weaver. Upon L. E. Weaver's death in 1941, other family members joined the partnership and the company's name was changed to Weaver Shipyards. World War II increased production at the Weaver yard, when contracts to construct wooden mine sweepers and sub chasers were awarded in 1941 and 1942. After the frenzied activity of World War II, Weaver Shipyards continued to build small vessels including wood and steel shrimp boats and also carried on with its ship repair work. The Weaver family sold the company in 1975, but regained control in the late 1980s. The Weaver Shipyards site continues to be owned by the Weaver family and remains involved in maritime work through lease agreements.