Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John F. Porter
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: circa 1840
- Builder: Lake Michigan region
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Approximately 3 miles off North Point, north of Milwaukee
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner.
Description
The John F. Porter was a mid-19th-century wooden schooner built around 1840, primarily operating on Lake Michigan.
History
Built circa 1840 in the Lake Michigan region, the John F. Porter was engaged in transporting cargo, including lumber camp provisions, across the Great Lakes.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: Reported October 20, 1855 (some records cite October 22).
- Location: Approximately 3 miles off North Point, north of Milwaukee, Lake Michigan.
- Weather Conditions: A strong storm was underway on October 20, 1855.
Final Disposition
While en route to deliver lumber camp supplies, the schooner capsized and foundered in the storm. All crew survived, escaping in the vessel’s lifeboat and reaching shore safely. After capsizing, the hull drifted and later washed ashore on the Milwaukee beach.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the John F. Porter is confirmed, with its hull having washed ashore after the incident.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-f-porter-c1840″ title=”References & Links”]
The John F. Porter remains a notable shipwreck in Lake Michigan history, illustrating the challenges faced by mariners in the mid-19th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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