Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Henry Norton
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1834
- Builder: Lind in Richmond, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Not listed
- Location: Offshore of Pilot Island, Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not available
- Official Number: Not listed
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Henry Norton was a wooden two-masted schooner primarily used for transporting lumber, with occasional cargoes of grain. This vessel type was common in the Great Lakes region during the 19th century.
Description
Built in 1834 by Lind in Richmond, Ohio, the Henry Norton was designed for durability and utility in the lumber trade. It was rated C2 for insurance purposes, with an insured value of US $1,200 in 1863.
History
The Henry Norton primarily operated along the Milwaukee–Green Bay–Chicago trade route, mainly hauling lumber, turf, and grain. Throughout its service, the vessel experienced several groundings, including incidents in 1841, 1842, and 1843, which led to damage and a subsequent rebuilding in 1845.
Significant Incidents
- 1841: Driven ashore in a Milwaukee gale.
- 1842: Another stranding in Milwaukee.
- 1843: Sustained damage from a squall on Lake Michigan.
- 1845: Underwent rebuilding.
Final Disposition
The Henry Norton sank in October 1863 after being driven ashore on Pilot Island’s reef during a storm. The wreck is likely broken and dispersed on or near the submerged reef, with sediment and wave action having buried or scattered remnants. It is probably part of the Pilot Island NW archaeological site, which features multiple vessel losses, although the identification of Henry Norton among the known wrecks remains unconfirmed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Henry Norton is likely in a deteriorated state, with its remains possibly buried or scattered due to natural forces. Further surveys and archaeological investigations are needed to assess its condition and confirm its identity.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”henry-norton-1834″ title=”References & Links”]
The Henry Norton represents an important piece of maritime history in the Great Lakes region, illustrating the early wooden schooner design and its role in the lumber trade. If confirmed at the Pilot Island NW site, the wreck could provide valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding techniques and the challenges faced by vessels of that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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