Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J.G. King (previously James G. King)
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1836
- Builder: Jones, Dunkirk, New York
- Dimensions: 84 ft × 23 ft × 9 ft (25.6 m × 7.0 m × 2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: approximately 154 tons
- Location: Near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: None officially recorded
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden, two-masted schooner, typical medium-sized lake trader.
Description
A compact and robust schooner for her era, the J.G. King was utilized for regional trade across Lake Michigan. Built in New York in 1836, she carried bulk and general cargo, possibly timber or grain, relying on sail propulsion.
History
Originally known as James G. King, this vessel was registered under her shortened name by 1848. On a routine voyage following a late-October gale in 1856, she was caught near the Kalamazoo River entrance. The storm drove her ashore, and she was declared a total loss. Thankfully, the crew survived, though detailed accounts of survivors or salvage are absent.
Significant Incidents
- Lost in October 1856 during a storm near the Kalamazoo River entrance.
- No fatalities reported among the crew.
Final Disposition
Rendered a total loss after being driven ashore during a storm. The wreck likely broke apart along the shoreline or in shallow nearshore water.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No records indicate the wreck’s discovery or archaeological survey. Wreckage site remains unverified.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-g-king-james-g-king-1836″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The loss of J.G. King is emblematic of early Lake Michigan trading schooners vulnerable to seasonal gales. Driven ashore during a late October storm in 1856, she ended her service unceremoniously near Saugatuck. While no lives were lost, the absence of remaining wreckage or surveys leaves her story as a cautionary footnote in maritime history—reminding us of the many vessels lost along Great Lakes coasts without a trace.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: J. G. King (previously registered as James G. King before 1848)
- Registration Number: None officially recorded
- Date Built and Launched: 1836, by Jones, Dunkirk, New York (Black River) (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Measurements: 84 ft × 23 ft × 9 ft (25.6 m × 7.0 m × 2.7 m); approximately 154 tons (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Date Lost: October 1856 (late in the month) (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Place Lost: Near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River (Saugatuck), Lake Michigan (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
- Cargo: Not documented
- Crew: No fatalities mentioned (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Vessel Type
Wooden, two‑masted schooner, typical medium-sized lake trader.
Description
A compact and robust schooner for her era, the J. G. King was utilized for regional trade across Lake Michigan. Built in New York in 1836, she carried bulk and general cargo, possibly timber or grain, relying on sail propulsion.
History
Originally known as James G. King, this vessel was registered under her shortened name by 1848. On a routine voyage following a late‑October gale in 1856, she was caught near the Kalamazoo River entrance. The storm drove her ashore, and she was declared a total loss. Thankfully, the crew survived, though detailed accounts of survivors or salvage are absent (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
Final Disposition
Rendered a total loss after being driven ashore during a storm. The wreck likely broke apart along the shoreline or in shallow nearshore water.
Located By & Date Found
No records indicate the wreck’s discovery or archaeological survey. Wreckage site remains unverified.
Notmars & Advisories
No navigational markers indicate the location. The Kalamazoo River mouth is known for hazardous shoals during high winds and storms—especially in autumn.
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – K section entry for J. G. King (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)
Conclusion
The loss of J. G. King is emblematic of early Lake Michigan trading schooners vulnerable to seasonal gales. Driven ashore during a late October storm in 1856, she ended her service unceremoniously near Saugatuck. While no lives were lost, the absence of remaining wreckage or surveys leaves her story as a cautionary footnote in maritime history—reminding us of the many vessels lost along Great Lakes coasts without a trace.
j-g-king-james-g-king-1836 1836-10-21 11:59:00