Eliza US 8248

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Eliza
• Type: Two-masted schooner
• Year Built: 1868
• Builder: H.C. Pierson
• Dimensions: 53.2 ft (16.2 m); Beam: 14.9 ft (4.5 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 30.03 tons
• Location: Approx. 2 mi off North Point, near Racine, Wisconsin
• Coordinates: N 43° 08.109′ / W 087° 33.188′
• Official Number: 8248
• Original Owners: Byron Burmeister, Manitowoc, Wisconsin; John Hanson, Chicago, Illinois
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Eliza was a two-masted schooner designed for light cargo transport, primarily sand, gravel, and grain, typical of nearshore and harbor trade on Lake Michigan.

Description

The Eliza was a small, wooden, two-masted schooner designed for light cargo such as sand, gravel, and grain, typical of nearshore and harbor trade on Lake Michigan. Her dimensions and shallow draft allowed her to navigate smaller harbors and nearshore sand points. She had no auxiliary steam power and relied solely on sail propulsion.

History

The Eliza was launched in 1868 at Spring Lake, Michigan, for owner Byron Burmeister. In July 1883, she capsized near Milwaukee while carrying a grain cargo but was later salvaged. From 1883 to 1890, she continued to serve in the sand and gravel transport trade between Chicago and Milwaukee. On March 18, 1891, her final enrollment was surrendered in Chicago, marked as ‘Vessel Lost.’

Significant Incidents

• 1868: Launched at Spring Lake, MI for Byron Burmeister.
• July 1883: Capsized near Milwaukee piers with a grain cargo; later salvaged.
• 1883–1890: Continued service in sand and gravel transport between Chicago and Milwaukee.
• March 18, 1891: Final enrollment surrendered at Chicago, marked ‘Vessel Lost.’

Final Disposition

The Eliza likely foundered in late 1890 while en route from Chicago to Milwaukee with a sand cargo. Contemporary accounts reported a wreck with a spar protruding approximately 10 miles off Racine, Wisconsin. The loss resulted in three lives, including Captain John Hansen and two crew members.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Eliza is likely scattered or buried approximately 2 miles off North Point, Racine, Wisconsin. No formal survey has confirmed the site; however, local divers have reported a small wooden schooner frame matching the Eliza‘s profile. The depth is variable due to sand cover, with fragments occasionally exposed.

Resources & Links

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The schooner Eliza, a 30-ton sand hauler, vanished in late 1890 on Lake Michigan with three souls lost. Its presumed offshore Racine wreck site reflects the perils of small-lake commerce. Confirmation of the wreck and identification of her final crew remains a priority for Great Lakes maritime archaeology.