The shipyard was located along the
East River between 4th and 5th Street. It was founded by partners Stephen Smith (1794–1875) and John Dimon (1795–1879). Dimon was in charge of the more profitable ship repair business and described the partnership saying, "Smith builds the ships, I make the money."
John W. Griffiths was a famed
naval architect who designed revolutionary, fast
clipper ships for Smith & Dimon. The shipyard became famous for its work in the 1840s under the name Smith & Dimon. It was formerly Blossom, Smith and Dimon in the 1820s and then Smith, Dimon and Comstock in the 1830s. In addition to clipper ships, the shipyard also built
steamships, including the 1848 steamship
Oregon. James Pringle painted the shipyard in 1833. The painting is on display at the
Fenimore Art Museum. == Ships built at Smith & Dimon ==