Alexander was the name of the area's most famous resident, and also of the first brigantine built at Baddeck in 1833. Twenty-five years later a second Alexander was constructed at Washabuck by Alexander MacLean. This 45-foot schooner, along with the builder's three sons, was last seen off Big Bras d'Or on Christmas Day 1859, on route to Newfoundland. Our tribute to shipbuilding would be incomplete without saluting the courageous young men who sailed these fine vessels.