Identification & Site Information

• Name: ARROW
• Other Names: None reported
• Official Number: 548
• Date Built and Launched: 1852
• Builder: W.E. Judd, Chicago, Illinois
• Homeport: Chicago, Illinois
• Vessel Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Power: Sail-powered
• Measurements:
• Length: 85 ft (25.9 m)
• Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m)
• Depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Tonnage (Gross): 69 tons
• Tonnage (Net): 66 tons
• Primary Route: Operated in cargo transport across Lake Michigan, frequently traveling between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Michigan ports like Leland.

Vessel Type

The ARROW was a mid-sized wooden Schooner, commonly used for bulk freight, fishing, and coastal transport across the Great Lakes. Ships of this type were vital to the early shipping industry, carrying lumber, grain, and general cargo between Great Lakes ports.

By 1883, the vessel was 31 years old, which was considered near the end of its useful life for a wooden Schooner.

History

The ARROW had a long career of over three decades, operating between Chicago, Milwaukee, and Michigan ports before its final grounding in 1883.

Key Events in the Vessel’s History:

• 1852: Built by W.E. Judd in Chicago, Illinois as a cargo Schooner.
• 1852-1883: Actively transported freight across Lake Michigan.
• April 30, 1883: Ran aground near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and was lost.

Final Disposition

The ARROW was lost on April 30, 1883, 3.5 miles from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, due to a navigational error.

The Disaster

• The vessel was bound from Milwaukee to Leland, Michigan, sailing light (empty cargo hold).
• While sailing at night in calm weather, the ship ran aground.
• Attempts were made to locate a powerful Tugboat to pull the vessel free.
• However, while waiting for assistance, the Schooner slowly sank into the sand over the next few days.
• By the time help arrived, the ship was stuck too deep to be salvaged.
• The ARROW was stripped of gear and rigging, then declared a Total Loss.
• In late May 1883, another storm broke the vessel apart, scattering its remains.
• No lives were lost in the accident.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There are no confirmed reports of the ARROW‘s wreck being discovered or documented near Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Due to its sinking into the sand and later destruction by storms, any remains are likely buried beneath shifting lakebed sands.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No modern navigational hazards related to this wreck are reported near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The ARROW was one of many schooners lost due to navigational errors, especially in the days before lighthouses, buoys, and modern navigation tools.

Despite being in good weather, the ship struck shallow sand and became hopelessly stuck, illustrating the dangers of nighttime sailing near unfamiliar shores.

Its gradual sinking into the sand and eventual breakup in a storm is a common fate for old wooden schooners, which were often Abandoned rather than salvaged when no longer useful.

If you’d like to learn more about shipwrecks near Two Rivers, Schooner transport on Lake Michigan, or navigational accidents of the 19th century, let me know!