Identification & Site Information

• Name: A.W. Lawrence
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 105948
• Date Built and Launched: 1880
• Builder: Unknown, built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
• Vessel Type: Wooden Tug (Towboat)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Measurements:Length: 72 ft (21.9 m) Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m) Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 48 tons
• Net Tonnage: 24 tons
• Date Lost: October 30, 1888
• Place of Loss: Off North Point, near Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Boiler explosion
• Loss of Life: 4 of 6 crew members killed
• Cargo at Time of Loss: None

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Vessel Type & Description

The A.W. Lawrence was a wooden-hulled tugboat (towboat) constructed in 1880 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Measuring 72 feet in length with a beam of 16 feet, she was built for towing Schooner-barges, stone scows, and other vessels on Lake Michigan. Tugs like the A.W. Lawrence were integral to Great Lakes shipping, especially in the lumber and stone trades.

Her relatively compact size and Gross Tonnage of 48 made her versatile for harbor operations, short-haul tows, and salvage assistance.

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History

• 1880: The A.W. Lawrence was enrolled in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and entered service towing vessels and assisting in harbor operations across Lake Michigan.
• 1885: She was recorded at 72 ft x 16 ft x 9 ft, with a Gross Tonnage of 50.62 and Net Tonnage of 24.21.
• The Tug was owned by John McCoy and associates of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the time of her loss in 1888.

The A.W. Lawrence was involved in routine towing operations, including transporting stone scows and Schooner-barges. One of her most notable incidents occurred in 1880, the year of her construction, when she was involved in a collision that contributed to the sinking of the schooner-Barge America near Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Involvement in the America Collision (1880)

In September 1880, the A.W. Lawrence was towing two stone scows when they collided with the schooner-Barge America, causing severe Hull damage. Despite efforts to salvage the America, the vessel sank before reaching shore. While no lives were lost in this incident, it highlights the risks associated with towing operations on the Great Lakes during this period.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 30, 1888, while operating off North Point near Milwaukee, the A.W. Lawrence suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion. Boiler explosions were a common hazard for steam-powered vessels in the 19th century, often caused by faulty maintenance, excessive pressure, or metal fatigue.

Casualties:

• The explosion resulted in the deaths of 4 out of 6 crew members.
• The survivors were rescued by the Tug Merrill, which responded quickly to the disaster.

The Tug was destroyed in the explosion and sank in Lake Michigan off North Point.

Final Disposition

The A.W. Lawrence was destroyed by a boiler explosion and sank off North Point, near Milwaukee. There are no records of salvage operations, and the vessel was likely declared a Total Loss.

Located By & Date Found

There is no confirmed modern discovery of the A.W. Lawrence’s wreck. However, Lake Michigan’s waters near Milwaukee contain numerous wrecks, and the Tug may be among unidentified sites.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The North Point area near Milwaukee is known for its submerged wrecks and historical shipwrecks. Mariners and divers should consult navigational charts and local dive resources for updated information on submerged hazards.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The A.W. Lawrence served as a Towboat on Lake Michigan during a period of rapid growth in Great Lakes commerce. Built in 1880, the Tug played a vital role in towing operations, including her involvement in the collision that sank the Schooner-Barge America near Two Rivers. Her loss in 1888 due to a boiler explosion near Milwaukee highlights the inherent dangers of steam-powered vessels during the 19th century. While her physical remains have not been confirmed, the A.W. Lawrence is part of the rich maritime legacy of Lake Michigan.

Keywords: A.W. Lawrence, Lake Michigan Tug, Towboat Explosion, Milwaukee Shipwreck, Great Lakes Towboats

Categories: Great Lakes Tugs, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Maritime Disasters

Glossary Terms: Boiler Explosion, Tugboat, Towboat Collision, Salvage Attempt, Total Loss