Dawn – Lake Michigan Schooner Shipwreck (1903)

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

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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.