Shipwreck Report: Schooner Alaska (Formerly Acorn)

Identification & Site Information

•Name: Alaska (originally Acorn)

•Type: Schooner (Barkentine)

•Build Year: 1863

•Builder: A. Muir, Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada

•Dimensions:

•Length: 125.2 feet (40 meters)

•Beam: 26.4 feet (8 meters)

•Depth: 10.1 feet (3 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 316 tons

•Net: 303 tons

•Final Location: Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan

•Coordinates: N 44° 11.607’ W 087° 30.677’

•Depth of Wreck: 6 feet (2 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Alaska, originally named Acorn, was built as a Barkentine, a type of sailing vessel with square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigging on the remaining masts. Over its operational life, it was converted into a timber transport ship, which became its primary function. The Schooner’s robust wooden construction and large cargo capacity made it well-suited for hauling timber, iron ore, and other bulk materials across the Great Lakes.

History

Early Years

Built in 1863, the Acorn began its career as a Barkentine under Canadian ownership. By 1865, it had already faced a significant setback when it Foundered near Manitou Islands on Lake Michigan, resulting in the loss of five lives. The vessel was recovered and enrolled in Chicago, signaling the start of its American tenure.

Accidents and Misfortunes

Throughout its history, the vessel endured numerous incidents:

•1866: Ran aground in Sand Beach, Michigan, but was freed with Tug assistance.

•1871: Suffered a collision with the ship Frankie Wilcox and ran aground on Salmon Point while transporting timber from Saginaw.

•1879: Stranded near the Twin Rivers Point Lighthouse during a gale; efforts to salvage it failed, and it sank near the site.

Final Years as Alaska

In 1882, the ship was sold to American owners and renamed Alaska in 1883. However, its streak of bad luck persisted:

•August 1884: Ran aground at Bois Blanc Island in the Straits of Mackinac.

•September 18, 1884: Met its final demise at Scott’s Point, Lake Michigan, while carrying iron ore. Despite salvage efforts by the wrecker Leviathan, the vessel broke apart in stormy conditions.

Final Disposition

The Alaska ultimately sank near Twin Rivers Point Lighthouse in Lake Michigan after multiple failed salvage attempts. Its remains now rest in shallow water near the southern end of Point Beach State Forest.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Alaska lies in only six feet (2 meters) of water, making it easily accessible to divers, snorkelers, kayakers, and boaters. Portions of the bow, Deck machinery, Centerboard trunk, rigging, and Hull are still visible, though shifting sands obscure parts of the site. The wreck is lightly visited, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historic shipwreck with minimal disturbance.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

•Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck. However, visitors should exercise caution to avoid disturbing the site, as it is a historical artifact.

Located By & Discovery Date

The wreck of the Alaska was discovered in 2014 near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Michigan. Its location at the southern end of Point Beach State Forest makes it accessible for exploration.

Resources & Links

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Wisconsin Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Alaska’s history encapsulates the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. From its origins as the Acorn in Port Dalhousie to its final days near Scott’s Point, the vessel faced numerous accidents and rebuilds before succumbing to Lake Michigan’s treacherous conditions. Today, the wreck serves as both a historical artifact and a dive site, providing a glimpse into the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.

Keywords

#Alaska #Acorn #Schooner #LakeMichiganShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipping #TimberTransport #WisconsinShipwrecks