Identification & Site Information

• • Name: Advance
• • Registry Number: US 365
• • Date Built and Launched: 1853
• • Measurements:
• • Length: 117 feet (35.7 metres)
• • Width: 26 feet (7.9 metres)
• • Depth: 9 feet (2.7 metres)
• • Date Lost: September 8, 1885

Vessel Type

Schooner

Description

The Advance was a two-masted wooden Schooner constructed in 1853 by James M. Jones in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Designed for the Great Lakes, it primarily transported lumber and grain, playing a significant role in the regional trade during the mid-19th century.

History

Throughout its operational life, the Advance encountered several incidents:

• 1854: Collided with the Schooner Grand Turk near Presque Isle on Lake Huron during a snowstorm. The Grand Turk suffered severe damage and sank; the extent of damage to Advance remains undocumented.

• 1860-1861: Underwent major repairs, including a new Deck, at Campbell & Owen’s Shipyard in Buffalo.

• 1871: Experienced a series of minor accidents, reducing its insurance value. Received new frames and ceiling planking, returning to service in May 1872.

• 1878: Involved in multiple collisions in Chicago, leading to repairs and a return to service in August.

• 1880: Became icebound at Sturgeon Bay, remaining frozen until spring.

• 1881: Collided with the Schooner Fleetwing in foggy conditions, leading to abandonment. The vessel drifted and was later found off Frankfort, Michigan.

Final Disposition

On September 8, 1885, while en route from Pine Lake, Michigan, to Chicago with a cargo of tan Bark, the Advance encountered a severe gale near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The crew discovered significant water ingress but was unable to reach port due to adverse wind conditions. After anchoring near Oostburg and displaying distress signals, which went unanswered, the vessel continued to take on water. The crew Abandoned ship and reached safety; however, the Advance capsized and ultimately sank.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Advance lies submerged in Lake Michigan, approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 kilometres) southwest of Sheboygan Harbor, in 85 feet (25.9 metres) of water. The site was documented and listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 2023. 

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck site is a protected area; divers should exercise caution due to potential obstructions and adhere to preservation guidelines.

Resources & Links

• Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Advance (1853): 

• National Register of Historic Places: Advance Shipwreck: 

• 3D Shipwrecks: Advance: 

Conclusion

The Advance serves as a testament to the robust maritime trade on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its well-preserved wreck offers valuable insights into early Schooner construction and the historical commerce of the region.

Keywords: Advance Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwrecks, 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, maritime history, underwater archaeology

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Schooners

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged.

• Tan Bark: Bark from certain trees used in the tanning process of leather production.

• Capsize: When a vessel overturns in the water.

• Gale: A strong wind, typically used in maritime contexts to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots

3D Model