Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: J. Steinhart
• Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: E. Euniacke, Milwaukee
• Dimensions: 72.8 × 18.7 × 5.7 ft (22.2 × 5.7 × 1.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: ~68 gt (Burthen Old Measurement)
• Location: Off the coast of Lake Michigan
• Original Owners: Guido Pfister and Capt. Ross
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Two-masted wooden schooner, designed for cargo transport.

Description

The J. Steinhart was a modest wooden schooner built in 1853 in Milwaukee. It was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

History

Constructed by E. Euniacke, the J. Steinhart was registered in Milwaukee with its final enrollment occurring on August 2, 1854. Owned by Guido Pfister and captained by Ross, the vessel was engaged in trade routes between various ports.

Significant Incidents

• Loss Date: October 28, 1855
• Route & Cargo: Bound for Chicago from Green Bay with cordwood
• Weather: Caught in a strong gale on Lake Michigan
• Outcome: The schooner capsized and foundered, reportedly carrying a crew of five; the mate and cook at least did not survive, indicating multiple casualties.
• Wreck Status: Declared a total loss; no salvage reported.

Final Disposition

The J. Steinhart sank off the coast of Lake Michigan during a severe storm, resulting in the loss of life and the vessel being declared a total loss with no salvage efforts recorded.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as no salvage operations have been reported and its exact location remains unverified.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the J. Steinhart serves as a reminder of the perils faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Further research may uncover more about the crew and the circumstances surrounding its tragic loss.