Buckeye State

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

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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.