Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Florence Lester
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner
Description
The Florence Lester was a two-masted wooden schooner constructed in 1868, primarily used for transporting lumber across the Great Lakes. Schooners of this type were common during the 19th century, serving as essential cargo vessels in the region’s booming lumber industry.
History
The Florence Lester operated during a period when the Great Lakes were a bustling corridor for maritime trade, particularly in lumber. On October 1, 1889, while carrying a cargo of lumber, the vessel encountered a severe northwest gale. The storm proved too formidable, and the schooner was blown ashore, resulting in a total loss. Specific details regarding the exact location of the wreck or any casualties have not been found in the available records.
Significant Incidents
- October 1, 1889: Blown ashore during a northwest gale, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
Blown ashore and wrecked during a northwest gale on October 1, 1889; declared a total loss.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No records found indicating the discovery or current location of the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”florence-lester-1868″ title=”References & Links”]
The Florence Lester serves as a representative example of the numerous schooners that navigated the Great Lakes during the 19th century, many of which met their end due to the region’s unpredictable and often treacherous weather conditions. While specific details about the vessel’s dimensions and the exact circumstances of its wreck remain scarce, its story contributes to the broader narrative of maritime history in the Great Lakes.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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