Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Blue Bell
- Type: Wooden two-masted scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Edwards, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 84 ft (25.6 m); Beam 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 122 gross tons, 116 net tons
- Location: Off the Sturgeon Bay harbor entrance, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 2235
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted scow-schooner
Description
The Blue Bell was a wooden scow-schooner constructed in 1867 by Edwards in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Measuring 84 feet (25.6 metres) in length with a beam of 25 feet (7.6 metres) and a depth of 7 feet (2.1 metres), she had a gross tonnage of 122 and a net tonnage of 116. Designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, she was a typical example of mid-19th-century scow-schooners, characterized by their flat bottoms and broad beams, enabling navigation in the region’s shallow harbors and rivers. The vessel underwent a significant rebuild in 1883 to extend her service life.
History
On September 6, 1887, the Blue Bell was en route from Wilt’s Bay, Michigan, to Milwaukee, carrying a cargo of lumber. While attempting to enter the harbor at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, she missed the entrance and was driven ashore by a storm. The vessel broke up upon grounding. The crew managed to reach the beach safely with assistance from the local U.S. Life-Saving Service crew. The total loss was estimated at $5,000.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded near Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, during a storm on September 6, 1887.
Final Disposition
The Blue Bell was declared a total loss after grounding near Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The remains were removed by dredging operations in 1894.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck site of the Blue Bell has not been located or documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”blue-bell-us-2235″ title=”References & Links”]
The Blue Bell serves as a testament to the challenges faced by schooners navigating the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Her loss near Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, underscores the perils of maritime transport during that era, particularly in the face of sudden and severe storms. While the exact location of her wreck remains unknown, the story of her final voyage contributes to the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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