Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Hetty Taylor US 95356

Explore the wreck of the Hetty Taylor, a 19th-century schooner resting in Lake Michigan, offering insights into Great Lakes maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Hetty Taylor
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length: 84 ft (25.60 m); Width: 23 ft (7.01 m); Depth: 8 ft (2.44 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 32 m / 105 ft
  • Location: Lake Michigan, near Wisconsin
  • Coordinates: 43° 40.890′ N, 087° 39.290′ W
  • Official Number: 95356

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Hetty Taylor was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft rigging and multiple sails, commonly used for cargo transport.

Description

The wreck of the Hetty Taylor rests upright at a depth of 105 ft (32.00 m), partially embedded in the lakebed, particularly near the stern. The stern and starboard side are broken with significant structural damage, while the bow and forward deck remain fairly intact, including the bowsprit. Artifacts present at the site include the anchor windlass, centerboard trunk, disarticulated cabin roof, stove, and rudder.

History

The Hetty Taylor was constructed in 1874 and primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Hetty Taylor were essential to Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century, hauling bulk goods such as lumber, coal, and grain. The vessel sank in 1880 in Lake Michigan near Wisconsin, likely due to the sudden storms and navigational challenges faced by vessels of that era.

Significant Incidents

  • Sank in Lake Michigan on March 14, 1880.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Hetty Taylor is protected under Wisconsin law, and divers are encouraged to observe but not disturb or remove artifacts. The site is significant for its well-preserved bow and surviving artifacts, which provide valuable insights into the vessel’s operation and the daily life of its crew.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is accessible to advanced divers, with good visibility often reported at this depth, though conditions can vary with weather and currents. Divers should be aware of the preservation status and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines regarding artifact handling.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”hetty-taylor-us-95356″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The Hetty Taylor serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of preserving such sites for future generations. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories while diving.

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.

Shipwreck Profile: Hetty Taylor

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Hetty Taylor
  • Registry: U.S.
  • Official Number: 95356
  • Vessel Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1874
  • Year Sank: 1880
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None (sail-powered vessel)
  • Dimensions Length: 84 ft (25.60 m) Width: 23 ft (7.01 m) Depth: 8 ft (2.44 m)

Vessel History

The Hetty Taylor was a wooden schooner constructed in 1874, primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Hetty Taylor were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century, hauling bulk goods such as lumber, coal, and grain.

The Hetty Taylor met its fate in 1880, sinking in Lake Michigan near Wisconsin. While the precise circumstances of the wreck are not fully documented, it is consistent with the risks faced by schooners of the era, including sudden storms and navigational challenges.

3D Model – Hetty Taylor

Hetty Taylor by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Wreck Site Information

  • Lake: Lake Michigan
  • State/Province: Wisconsin
  • Depth: 105 ft (32.00 m)
  • GPS Coordinates: 43° 40.890′ N, 087° 39.290′ W

Site Description:

The wreck of the Hetty Taylor rests upright at a depth of 105 ft (32.00 m), partially embedded in the lakebed, particularly near the stern.

  • Stern and Starboard Side: Broken, with significant structural damage.
  • Bow and Forward Deck: Fairly intact, including the bowsprit.
  • Artifacts Present:
    • Anchor windlass and centerboard trunk.
    • Disarticulated cabin roof.
    • Stove and rudder.

Diving Notes & Advisories

  • Depth Consideration: The site lies at 105 ft (32.00 m), suitable for advanced recreational divers with deep diving experience and proper training.
  • Visibility: Lake Michigan often offers good visibility at this depth, though conditions can vary with weather and currents.
  • Preservation Status: The wreck is protected under Wisconsin law, and divers are encouraged to observe but not disturb or remove artifacts.

Site Significance

The Hetty Taylor provides a glimpse into the life of schooners on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Its well-preserved bow and surviving artifacts, including the anchor windlass and stove, offer valuable insights into the vessel’s operation and the daily life of its crew. The wreck is an important site within Wisconsin’s underwater cultural heritage.

Keywords: Hetty Taylor shipwreck, Lake Michigan schooners, 19th-century sailing vessels, Wisconsin shipwrecks, Great Lakes maritime history, advanced diving sites.

The Hetty Taylor was a wooden schooner constructed in 1874, primarily used for transporting cargo across the Great Lakes. Schooners like the Hetty Taylor were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century, hauling bulk goods such as lumber, coal, and grain. hetty-taylor-us-95356 1880-03-14 07:54:00