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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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