America US 105244 (105337)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: America
• Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
• Year Built: 1873
• Builder: Arch Muir, Port Huron, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 137 ft (41.8 m); Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 12 ft (3.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 341 tons
• Location: 9 miles north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin
• Official Number: 105244 or 105337
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The America was a wooden, three-masted schooner-barge built in 1873 by Arch Muir in Port Huron, Michigan. Designed for bulk freight transport, schooner-barges like the America were commonly used in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, often operating as part of towing fleets pulled by steam tugs.

Description

Schooner-barges were versatile, capable of carrying lumber, coal, stone, and grain, but were often towed when not under sail to save on fuel and increase cargo capacity. The America‘s gross tonnage of 341 indicates she was a medium-sized vessel for the period, suited for coastal and cross-lake trade routes.

History

The America operated primarily in Lake Michigan, running cargo between ports like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Port Huron. By the late 1870’s, she was used as a schooner-barge, towed alongside or behind steam tugs as part of larger freight convoys.

Significant Incidents

Collision Details:

• The tug A.W. Lawrence was towing two stone scows when, under unclear circumstances, the scows struck the America.
• The collision caused significant damage to the hull, and the vessel began to leak heavily.
• Salvagers quickly attempted to tow the America to shore, but the damage was too severe, and the vessel sank before reaching safety.

Casualties:

• No lives were lost in the incident. The crew escaped safely, due to the proximity of the tug and other vessels in the towing convoy.

Final Disposition

The America was declared a total loss after sinking in Lake Michigan due to the collision. The wreck became a local dive site due to its proximity to shore and the relative intactness of the submerged structure.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the America is a known local dive site near Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Divers report that parts of the hull and structural components are still visible, though the wooden construction has deteriorated over time.

Resources & Links

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The America‘s collision and sinking in 1880 highlights the risks associated with towed convoys on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. As a schooner-barge, the vessel was part of the evolving freight transportation system that combined sail and steam power to maximize cargo efficiency. The lack of fatalities speaks to the quick actions of the crew and salvagers, but the vessel was beyond saving. Today, the America serves as a popular dive site near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history.