I.N. Foster US 100031

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: I.N. Foster
• Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: Fitzgerald, Port Huron, Michigan
• Dimensions: 135 ft × 26 ft × 12 ft; ~319 GRT
• Registered Tonnage: ~319 GRT
• Depth at Wreck Site: 0.6 m / 2 ft
• Location: Grounded near Washington Island, Lake Michigan
• Official Number: 100031
• Original Owners: Paushey
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

A sizeable two-masted wooden schooner designed for bulk freight, particularly iron ore, which was a common cargo in late 19th-century Great Lakes maritime trade.

Description

Built in 1872, I.N. Foster measured roughly 135′ in length with a substantial carrying capacity. Her homeport was Buffalo, with ownership held by Paushey and command under Captain Danahy.

History

On 7 August 1887, during a storm on Lake Michigan, the I.N. Foster was driven into extremely shallow water near Washington Island. Her hull grounded approximately 75 m (250 ft) from safe water and suffered extensive damage. Initial assessments considered salvage possible, but worsening weather and the vessel’s condition led to her being stripped and abandoned on-site in 1887.

Although some early accounts reported loss of life, official records and registry documents do not confirm any fatalities. The crew reportedly evacuated safely. By June 1888, dredging efforts had created a small channel allowing the hulk to be removed and the remains later rebuilt as a propeller vessel at 356/278 GRT.

Significant Incidents

• Grounded on 7 August 1887 during a storm near Washington Island.
• Initial salvage attempts were hindered by weather and vessel condition.
• Reportedly stripped and abandoned in 1887.
• Rebuilt as a propeller vessel by June 1888.

Final Disposition

Initially abandoned in 1887, the hull underwent salvage operations in 1888, then was reconstructed into a propeller-driven steamer, extending its service life until eventual scrapping in 1928.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Currently no navigational hazard markers exist; the original wrecksite has since been removed or buried after salvage. Modern identifications rest on sonar data rather than visible remains.

Resources & Links

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The I.N. Foster was a notable iron-ore schooner that grounded and was thought lost during an August 1887 storm off Washington Island. Despite initial abandonment, the vessel was later salvaged, rebuilt as a propeller steamer, and served for decades. Her wreck-turned-rebirth story reflects the resilience of Great Lakes maritime commerce and engineering adaptability.