Sir Samuel Cunard: From Steamships to Ocean Liners

Sir Samuel Cunard was a British businessman who became known throughout UK as a shipping magnate. He was born on November 21, 1787 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He founded the Cunard Line.

Cunard started to show his business skills as a boy. When he was 17, he owned a general store. He joined his father’s timber business which later diversified into iron, cola, whaling and shipping.

With his many business ventures, Cunard was especially successful in shipping. In fact, he was one of the twelve people who dominated the businesses in Nova Scotia. Cunard was one of the earliest investors in the steam ferry business in Halifax. He was also a pioneer investor in the steamship Royal William.

Cunard moved to UK and collaborated with other businessmen to bud for the transatlantic mail service between US and the UK. The bid was successful and the company was later known as Cunard Steamships Limited.

The Cunard steamships were successful with their trips and earned the reputation for speed and safety. Later, Cunard also embarked on cruise with the opening of its ocean lines.