Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Buckeye State
- Type: Three-masted wooden bark
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Length: 132 ft (40.2 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth of hold: 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 310 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 3 m / 10 ft
- Location: Off South Milwaukee Point, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Not documented
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Buckeye State was a three-masted wooden bark, a sailing vessel with a specific rigging configuration that was commonly used during the mid-19th century for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Barks were known for their capacity and stability, making them suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods such as railroad iron.
Description
Constructed in 1852, the Buckeye State measured 132 feet in length, with a beam of 25 feet and a depth of 10 feet, registering at 310 tons. Designed for freight service, she was engaged in transporting various goods across the Great Lakes, a vital component of commerce during that era.
History
On November 5, 1852, less than three months after her launch, the Buckeye State encountered a severe storm on Lake Michigan while carrying a cargo of railroad iron, apples, and cider. The vessel stranded off South Milwaukee Point. Subsequent efforts to salvage the ship involved towing her to the nearby government piers, located near the old river mouth at the south end of present-day Jones Island in Milwaukee Bay. However, a gale beached her again, and the vessel was ultimately broken up by waves, leading to a total loss valued at $14,000.
Significant Incidents
- November 5, 1852: The Buckeye State stranded during a storm on Lake Michigan.
- Subsequent towing efforts failed, leading to the vessel being broken up by waves.
Final Disposition
The Buckeye State was declared a total loss following the incident. The remains of the vessel are believed to lie beneath the south Milwaukee break wall in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Buckeye State has not been formally located or surveyed by contemporary maritime archaeologists. However, historical records suggest that remnants may exist beneath the south Milwaukee break wall.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”buckeye-state” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Buckeye State‘s brief service life and subsequent loss underscore the perils of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, highlighting the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Buckeye State
- Official Number: Not documented
- Date Built and Launched: 1852
- Builder: Not specified
- Type: Three-masted wooden bark
- Dimensions: Length: 132 ft (40.2 m); Beam: 25 ft (7.6 m); Depth: 10 ft (3.0 m)
- Tonnage: 310 tons
- Date Lost: November 5, 1852
- Location of Loss: Off South Milwaukee Point, Lake Michigan
- Cause of Loss: Stranded during a storm; later towed but broken up by waves
- Cargo: Railroad iron, apples, and cider
- Loss of Life: None reportedmpl.org+15Great Lakes Shipwreck Files+15UW-Madison Libraries+15wisconsinshipwrecks.org+2HistoryLink+2linkstothepast.com+2linkstothepast.comGreat Lakes Shipwreck Files+1MHL+1
Vessel Type
The Buckeye State was a three-masted wooden bark, a sailing vessel with a specific rigging configuration that was commonly used during the mid-19th century for cargo transport on the Great Lakes. Barks were known for their capacity and stability, making them suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods such as railroad iron.baillod.com
Description
Constructed in 1852, the Buckeye State measured 132 feet in length, with a beam of 25 feet and a depth of 10 feet, registering at 310 tons. Designed for freight service, she was engaged in transporting various goods across the Great Lakes, a vital component of commerce during that era.
History
On November 5, 1852, less than three months after her launch, the Buckeye State encountered a severe storm on Lake Michigan while carrying a cargo of railroad iron, apples, and cider. The vessel stranded off South Milwaukee Point.Subsequent efforts to salvage the ship involved towing her to the nearby government piers, located near the old river mouth at the south end of present-day Jones Island in Milwaukee Bay. However, a gale beached her again, and the vessel was ultimately broken up by waves, leading to a total loss valued at $14,000. baillod.comwisconsinshipwrecks.org
Final Disposition
The Buckeye State was declared a total loss following the incident. The remains of the vessel are believed to lie beneath the south Milwaukee break wall in approximately 10 feet (3 meters) of water. wisconsinshipwrecks.org
Located By & Date Found
The wreck of the Buckeye State has not been formally located or surveyed by contemporary maritime archaeologists.However, historical records suggest that remnants may exist beneath the south Milwaukee break wall.
Notmars & Advisories
There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the Buckeye State‘s wreck site. Given the passage of time and lack of precise location data, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.
Resources & Links
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Buckeye State (1852)
- Baillod’s Undiscovered Maritime Archaeology Sites: Milwaukee Shipwrecks
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: Buckeye Statewisconsinshipwrecks.orgbaillod.com
Conclusion
The Buckeye State‘s brief service life and subsequent loss underscore the perils of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her story contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, highlighting the challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters.
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