Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Dawn
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1888
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near south pier, Kewaunee, Wisconsin
- Original Owners: Not conclusively recorded
- Number of Masts: Three masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Dawn was a wooden schooner designed for bulk cargo trade, typical of Great Lakes sailing ships in the late 19th century.
Description
The Dawn was constructed with oak frames and pine planking, a single deck, and three masts with fore-and-aft sails. Her hull was strengthened to carry a variety of cargoes such as lumber, grain, or general freight.
History
Launched in 1888, the Dawn worked the Great Lakes trades for 15 years. On 18 September 1903, she was approaching Kewaunee, Wisconsin, in a heavy storm. While attempting to make harbour, she struck the south pier. Driven by wind and waves, she drifted ashore and was pounded apart by the surf.
The Kewaunee Lifesaving Station responded quickly and was able to rescue all crew members. The schooner, however, was declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- On 18 September 1903, the Dawn struck the south pier while approaching Kewaunee in a storm.
- All crew members were rescued by the Kewaunee Lifesaving Station.
Final Disposition
Dawn was wrecked beyond recovery, and no significant salvage was recorded.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no modern archaeological or diver reports describing remains of the Dawn at Kewaunee.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”dawn-1888″ title=”References & Links”]
The Dawn‘s loss in 1903 highlights the perils of harbor approaches during storms, even with the assistance of breakwaters and lifesaving stations. The rescue of her crew was a testament to the effectiveness of the Great Lakes lifesaving service, while the vessel itself was a total loss.
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
- Vessel Name: Dawn
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year built and launched: 1888
- Owner: Not conclusively recorded
- Cargo: Unknown at time of loss
- Date lost: 18 September 1903
- Location: Near south pier, Kewaunee, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
- Crew: All rescued
Vessel Type
The Dawn was a wooden schooner designed for bulk cargo trade, typical of Great Lakes sailing ships in the late 19th century.
Description
The Dawn was constructed with oak frames and pine planking, a single deck, and three masts with fore-and-aft sails. Her hull was strengthened to carry a variety of cargoes such as lumber, grain, or general freight.
History
Launched in 1888, the Dawn worked the Great Lakes trades for 15 years. On 18 September 1903, she was approaching Kewaunee, Wisconsin, in a heavy storm. While attempting to make harbour, she struck the south pier. Driven by wind and waves, she drifted ashore and was pounded apart by the surf.
The Kewaunee Lifesaving Station responded quickly and was able to rescue all crew members. The schooner, however, was declared a total loss.
Final Dispositions
Dawn was wrecked beyond recovery, and no significant salvage was recorded.
Located By & Date Found
There are no modern archaeological or diver reports describing remains of the Dawn at Kewaunee.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Index (BGSU)
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Conclusion
The Dawn‘s loss in 1903 highlights the perils of harbor approaches during storms, even with the assistance of breakwaters and lifesaving stations. The rescue of her crew was a testament to the effectiveness of the Great Lakes lifesaving service, while the vessel itself was a total loss.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Wooden schooner
- Lake Michigan
- Kewaunee
- Shipwreck
- Great Lakes storms
- Lifesaving service
- 19th-century maritime trade
- Harbor navigation hazards