Greenport Yacht & Ship Building Company was initially founded as a commercial shipyard in the mid-1800s. The company soon evolved, building quality fishing and oyster boats as well as private yachts. At the height of the commercial fishing industry (around the waters of the eastern North Fork in Gardiner's and Peconic Bay), Greenport Yacht & Ship Building Company built or repaired most of the entire fishing fleet. The company's success landed them several contracts with the United States Government building Minesweepers for the US Navy during World War II. The yard also maintained and repaired many convoy escort ships and United States Navy Subchasers during this time period. After World War II, it returned to building and repairing commercial vessels. Today, one may see one of the local ferry boats hauled and dry-docked for service.