Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Lawrence
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1847
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not documented
- Depth at Wreck Site: 14.6 m / 48 ft
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Original Owners: Likely Michigan-based trading partners
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The George Lawrence was a wooden schooner, characterized by its two masts and single deck, designed primarily for carrying cargo.
Description
As a grain-carrying vessel, the George Lawrence was utilized on routes across Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, primarily transporting wheat from Milwaukee to Buffalo.
History
Built in 1847, the George Lawrence operated as a grain-carrying schooner, playing a significant role in the trade of agricultural products during its service. It was known for its voyages laden with wheat.
Significant Incidents
On April 10, 1850, the George Lawrence sank after being sheared by ice while en route from Milwaukee to Buffalo, resulting in a total loss of the vessel.
Final Disposition
The vessel sank in approximately 48 feet of water in Lake Michigan. There were no reported casualties associated with the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the George Lawrence remains submerged at a depth of 48 feet, accessible to divers with appropriate skills and equipment.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-lawrence-1847″ title=”References & Links”]
The George Lawrence serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by mid-19th-century shipping, particularly the dangers posed by ice during the spring months.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Vessel Identification & Profile
- Name: George Lawrence
- Year Built: 1847
- Vessel Type: Schooner
- Hull Material: Wood
- Decks: 1
- Masts: 2
- Original Owners: Likely Michigan-based trading partners
Dimensions & Capacity
- Tonnage (Old–Style): Not documented
- Final Cargo: 11,000 bushels of wheat
Operational History
- Operated as a grain-carrying schooner on Lake Michigan/Erie routes
- Typically voyaged from Milwaukee toward Buffalo, laden with wheat
Final Disposition
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Loss | April 10, 1850 |
| Location | Lake Michigan – 48 ft (14.6 m) deep |
| Cause | Sheared by ice while en route |
| Outcome | Sank in 48 ft of water |
| Casualties | None reported |
Incident Summary
On April 10, 1850, the George Lawrence, fully loaded with approximately 11,000 bushels of wheat, was destroyed when it was cut by pack or shelf ice during a springtime transit from Milwaukee to Buffalo. The sinking occurred in relatively shallow waters (~48 feet), but records note no loss of life.
Historical Significance
As an example of mid-19th-century grain schooners, the George Lawrence highlights the persistent danger of ice to wooden vessels in the spring season. The incident underscores how even mundane trade routes were perilous outside of navigable channels.
Keywords & Categories
- Region: Lake Michigan
- Vessel Type: Schooner
- Cause of Loss: Ice shearing
- Cargo: Wheat (11,000 bushels)
- Period: 1847–1850
- Final Status: Total loss; remains at 48 ft depth
- Casualties: None