Joseph G. Masten – Lake Michigan Barque Shipwreck (1897)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Joseph G. Masten
• Type: Wooden barkentine (later described as a schooner)
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: Quayle & Martin
• Dimensions: 186.6 ft (56.8 m) × 33.7 ft; 13.3 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 620.52 gross / 589.5 net
• Depth at Wreck Site: 2.13 m / 7 ft
• Location: Approximately six miles north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, about 600 ft offshore in the surf zone
• Official Number: 13750
• Original Owners: Capt. Frank Perew, Buffalo, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Wooden barkentine (later described as a schooner)

Description

Year Built: 1867, Cleveland, Ohio
Official Number: 13750
Builder: Quayle & Martin
Original Owner: Capt. Frank Perew, Buffalo, New York
Dimensions: 186.6 ft length × 33.7 ft beam × 13.3 ft depth
Tonnage: 620.52 gross / 589.5 net
Capacity: ~45,000 bushels

History

Chronology & Operational History

• 1867: Enrolled in Buffalo, New York; named for a Buffalo judge, friend of Capt. Perew.
• 1870 (28 May): Went ashore on Spectacle Reef, Lake Huron; raised and underwent extensive repairs.
• 1871 (12 Sept): Collided with and sank the Maid of the Mist at St. Clair, Michigan.
• 1877 (1 May): Rig converted to a schooner in Buffalo.
• 1882–1884: Entered coal and ore trades; towed intermittently by tug J.B. Lyon.
• 1884 (Sep): Broke from tow by prop Keystone on Lake Michigan.
• 1885 (June): Ran aground on South Fox Island, Lake Michigan; sustained heavy damage.
• 1886: Underwent a general rebuild.
• 1887–1890s: Multiple tows; routes included ore and lumber trades.
• 1893 (15 Oct): Ashore at Racine harbor piers, Wisconsin.
• 1894 (30 Mar): Chartered for lumber trade between Duluth and Bay City.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents

• 1870: Grounded on Spectacle Reef, Lake Huron.
• 1871: Collision with the Maid of the Mist.
• 1893: Grounded at Racine harbor piers.
• 1897: Final wreck during a storm.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition

• Date of Wreck: 4 December 1897
• Location: Approximately six miles north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, about 600 ft offshore in the surf zone, Lake Michigan.
• Cause: Ran aground during a storm while under tow by steam barge Keystone; unable to be refloated, became a total wreck despite lifesaving efforts.
• Cargo: Soft coal
• Casualties: None reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Depth & Condition: The vessel was stranded in shallow surf zone water (approx. 7–10 feet), northeast of Two Rivers harbor.
• Remains: Wreck broken apart and scattered in surf; some remains recorded but no intact hull expected.
• Accessibility: Potential for shore-based survey or snorkeling in shallow water; strong wave action likely dispersed debris.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”joesph-g-masten-us-13750″ title=”References & Links”]

Joseph G. Masten, a substantial 620-ton barkentine built in 1867, had a storied career including multiple groundings and rebuilds. Her final fate occurred on December 4, 1897, when she ran aground and wrecked during a storm six miles north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The wreck, now in shallow surf, remains accessible for historical documentation, though only debris survives. Further research in local maritime logs, newspapers, and life-saving records could illuminate final voyage details, cargo valuation, and crew experiences.