Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

I. A. Johnson US 12090

Explore the wreck of the I. A. Johnson, a historic scow schooner resting in Lake Michigan, offering insights into 19th-century maritime practices.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: I. A. Johnson
  • Type: Scow Schooner
  • Year Built: 1867
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: Length 83 ft (25.3 m); Beam 22 ft (6.7 m); Depth of hold 6 ft (1.8 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 28.3 m / 93 ft
  • Location: Northwest of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
  • Official Number: 12090
  • Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The I. A. Johnson was a two-masted scow schooner, a vessel type characterized by a flat-bottomed hull and wide beam, designed for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber across the Great Lakes. These vessels were ideal for navigating shallow waters and harbours.

Description

Launched in 1867, the I. A. Johnson was built as a versatile scow schooner, primarily used for carrying lumber, a common commodity in the 19th century Great Lakes shipping industry. Its design reflected the practical needs of the time, offering a large cargo capacity in a compact and maneuverable vessel.

In 1890, the vessel sank in Lake Michigan, northwest of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The specific circumstances of the sinking remain undocumented, but scow schooners often succumbed to severe weather, collisions, or structural failure under heavy loads.

History

The wreck of the I. A. Johnson lies in 93 ft (28.3 m) of water in Lake Michigan. While the exact location has not been disclosed to protect the site, it remains an important cultural and historical artifact.

Significant Incidents

  • Hull Features: Major sections of the hull are intact, including the centerboard and centerboard trunk, with its cap still in place.
  • Bow Section: The bow remains well-preserved, featuring the windlass and other structural elements.
  • Sides: Both the port and starboard sides are intact, providing a clear view of the ship’s construction.
  • A large portion of the bilge is still covered by sand, offering further protection to the wreck.

Final Disposition

The wreck has been documented by organizations dedicated to preserving Wisconsin’s maritime history, such as the Wisconsin Historical Society. Due to its condition and intact features, it offers significant insights into 19th-century shipbuilding practices and scow schooner operations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies at a depth accessible to experienced divers. As the exact location has been kept undisclosed, it is protected from unauthorized exploration and looting. Divers who gain access to the site should adhere to guidelines for preserving its historical integrity.

Resources & Links

As you explore the I. A. Johnson, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historical site and its artifacts.