Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Evergreen
- Type: Scow-schooner (wooden, two-masted)
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Local shipwrights, Holland, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Milwaukee harbor breakwater
- Official Number: 11895
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted scow-schooner
Description
Constructed in 1868 at Holland, Michigan by local shipwrights. The Evergreen was often used on western Lake Michigan, hauling general cargo such as lumber, cordwood, stone, or ties. Its home port is noted as either Milwaukee or Racine, Wisconsin.
History
On April 16, 1880, while attempting entry into Milwaukee Harbor, Evergreen was struck by a spring gale. Efforts to reach the breakwater failed as she was driven ashore and pounded to pieces on the rocks near the harbor mouth. At the time of loss, she was carrying a light load (e.g., lumber or stone). Crew survival appears to have been complete; no loss of life is recorded. The damage was so severe that her enrollment was officially surrendered in Milwaukee on April 23, 1880, listing her as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- No dive site or modern wreck survey exists, as the vessel broke up in very shallow water and was effectively disassembled or scoured away.
- Her loss was part of a series of scow schooner casualties near Milwaukee, including Contest and other small freighters forced into a dangerous harbor entry in storms.
Final Disposition
The Evergreen was broken up ashore and declared a total loss. The registration was surrendered shortly after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Due to the nature of the wreck, no remains are accessible for diving, and the site is not marked.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”evergreen-1868″ title=”References & Links”]
The Evergreen typifies smaller cargo scows vulnerable to spring gales on western Lake Michigan, particularly when attempting to navigate pier entrances in high wind and surf. Her demise echoes similar losses like Contest and others driven ashore near Milwaukee in the same era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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