Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: E. H. Scott
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: circa 1843
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Washington Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin
- Original Owners: Nelson Napier & Reuben Scott, Detroit
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
E. H. Scott — sometimes referenced simply as “Scott”: Built circa 1843, this vessel was operated in the lumber trade by owners Nelson Napier and Reuben Scott from Detroit.
History
The E. H. Scott highlights the risks faced by mid-19th-century lumber schooners, particularly in coastal waters that could quickly become treacherous. Washington Harbor was a common haven for vessels, yet this incident illustrates how even sheltered anchorages could pose dangers during severe storms.
Significant Incidents
- Incident: Caught in a sudden storm on Lake Michigan, she was driven ashore at Washington Harbor on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin.
- Outcome: Wrecked and declared a total loss; all crew survived. Local residents reportedly launched a rescue/recovery effort led by Nelson Napier, who headed out to rescue the men on the wrecked schooner.
Final Disposition
The E. H. Scott was declared a total loss following the storm. The involvement of the owners and local residents in the rescue operation reflects the community’s commitment to maritime safety and the evolving practices of lifesaving in the Great Lakes region.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Research and investigation opportunities include archival documentation, newspaper accounts, harbor and lifesaving logs, and potential wreck-site surveys using side-scan sonar and shallow dive investigations at Washington Harbor.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”e-h-scott-c1843″ title=”References & Links”]
The E. H. Scott serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by vessels in the lumber trade and the importance of community efforts in maritime rescue operations during the mid-19th century.
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.
Schooner E. H. Scott — sometimes referenced simply as “Scott”:
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Built: Circa 1843 (exact yard unconfirmed)
- Owners: Nelson Napier & Reuben Scott, Detroit — operated in the lumber trade
Final Voyage & Loss – November 11, 1852
- Incident: Caught in a sudden storm on Lake Michigan, she was driven ashore at Washington Harbor on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin
- Outcome: Wrecked and declared a total loss — all crew survived; local residents reportedly launched a rescue/recovery effort led by Nelson Napier, who “headed out to rescue the men on the wrecked schooner” (linkstothepast.com, facebook.com)
Historical & Maritime Significance
- Among mid-19th-century lumber schooners, E. H. Scott highlights the risks these vessels faced even within seemingly safer coastal waters
- Washington Harbor served as a common haven, but this loss demonstrates how even sheltered anchorages could become perilous during powerful storms
- The involvement of Detroit owners and direct rescue operations suggests strong insights into mid-century merchant practices and coastal lifesaving efforts
Research & Investigation Opportunities
| Area of Interest | Action Steps |
|---|---|
| Archival Documentation | Seek enrollment and registry records (c. 1843–1852) to confirm tonnage, build yard, and ownership |
| Newspaper Accounts | Search Door County Advocate and Green Bay papers (Nov 1852) for wreck details and the rescue narrative |
| Harbor & Lifesaving Logs | Review U.S. Lifesaving Service or lighthouse records for official incident logs at Washington Harbor |
| Wreck-Site Survey | Side-scan sonar and shallow dive investigations at Washington Harbor may locate wreck remnants — hull timbers or cargo debris could lie submerged or buried |
Summary Profile
- Name: E. H. Scott
- Built: c. 1843, wooden schooner
- Lost: Nov 11, 1852 — driven ashore and wrecked during a storm at Washington Harbor, WI
- Casualties: None
- Outcome: Declared total loss; rescue conducted by owners/locals
- Significance: Embodies lumber trade vulnerabilities and evolving Great Lakes rescue practices