Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Buena Vista
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder: Francis Jordon, Chicago, Illinois
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: Not specified
- Location: South of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, near Cedar Grove, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: Not documented
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Buena Vista was a two-masted wooden schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber and grain across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1847 by Francis Jordon in Chicago, Illinois, the Buena Vista was designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not documented, vessels of this type and era typically ranged from 80 to 120 feet in length and were integral to the commerce of the region. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
History
The Buena Vista operated during a period of significant maritime activity on the Great Lakes, serving as a vital link in the transportation network that supported the economic development of the Midwest. On December 5, 1857, the Buena Vista was driven ashore and wrecked during a gale south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, near Cedar Grove. This incident occurred during the same storm that claimed the schooner Brilliant, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The Buena Vista was abandoned as a total loss. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Significant Incidents
- December 5, 1857: The Buena Vista was driven ashore during a gale and wrecked near Cedar Grove, Wisconsin.
Final Disposition
Following the wreck, the Buena Vista was declared a total loss and abandoned. There is no documented evidence of salvage operations or recovery of the vessel. Given the circumstances and the era, it is likely that the remains of the vessel deteriorated over time or were reclaimed by the lake.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the Buena Vista has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.
Resources & Links
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The Buena Vista‘s loss during the gale of December 5, 1857, underscores the challenges and dangers faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region, highlighting the importance of these vessels in the economic development of the Midwest and the perils they faced in their service.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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