Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Forest King
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1866
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Wrecked ashore on a reef near DePere, Wisconsin
- Original Owners: Charles Lawton
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Forest King was a wooden schooner, likely classified as a mid-sized freighter, primarily engaged in the lumber trade.
Description
The Forest King was wrecked on October 21, 1869, during a fierce gale, driven ashore on a rock only 30 feet across. The crew clung to the battered remains for 20 hours until rescued, with all ten crew members surviving the ordeal. Although the hull remained partially above water, a sudden shift caused her to break on the reef and burn, resulting in a total loss valued at approximately $6,000.
History
Owned at the time of loss by Charles Lawton of DePere, Wisconsin, the Forest King operated in the lumber trade, carrying cargo through late-season storms. Specific construction details, including dimensions and tonnage, are likely found in 1866 U.S. enrollment records.
Significant Incidents
- Wrecked on a reef during a gale on October 21, 1869.
- All ten crew members survived the wreck.
- The vessel burned after breaking on the reef, leading to a total loss.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Forest King is believed to be located on a reef or shoal near Waugoshance or similar outcrops in Lake Huron. The site condition includes charred hull remains, with mere fragments left of the original structure.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Charred remains of the hull are present, with fasteners, planking remnants, and hardware potentially surviving underwater. Historical mapping and remote surveys are recommended for further exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”forest-king-1866″ title=”References & Links”]
The Forest King represents a significant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history, being among the last generation of wooden-lumber schooners. The dramatic circumstances of her wreck and the survival of her crew provide unique narrative elements for maritime archaeology.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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