Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: John V. Jones
- Type: 3-Masted Schooner
- Year Built: 1875
- Builder: Rand & Burger
- Dimensions: Length: 125.20 ft (38.16 m); Beam: 27 ft (8.23 m); Depth of hold: 8.6 ft (2.62 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 200.78 tons
- Location: Jones Island, Milwaukee Harbor, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: Lat: 43° 01.338′ N; Lon: 87° 53.651′ W
- Official Number: 75766
- Original Owners: Nathan R. Allen (Kenosha) and Ole Hansen
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
- Primary Use: Lumber carrier for the Lake Michigan trade
- Typical Cargo: Hardwood lumber from Northern Michigan & Wisconsin
Description
The John V. Jones was a dedicated lumber schooner serving the Lake Michigan trade routes from 1875 until 1905. Built by Rand & Burger in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, she was a wooden vessel with a gross tonnage of 200.78 tons and dimensions of 125.20 ft in length, 27 ft in beam, and a depth of hold of 8.6 ft.
History
The John V. Jones had a service history marked by several incidents, including a collision with the propeller Wissahickon in October 1877 and significant repairs in 1889 and 1898. The last active document for the vessel was issued on 20 March 1902.
Significant Incidents
- October 1877: Collided with propeller Wissahickon near Chicago
- 1887: Received new sails
- 1889 & 1898: Underwent significant repairs and recaulking
- 1903: Centerboard trunk repaired; deck recaulked
Final Disposition
The John V. Jones was scuttled at Jones Island, Milwaukee Harbor, after being deemed uneconomical to repair. The wreck was towed to Milwaukee by the Revenue Cutter Tuscarora and scuttled around 26 October 1905. The final enrollment was surrendered on 18 January 1906.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The remains of the John V. Jones are presumed buried beneath harbor fill at Jones Island. There are no publicly visible remains, and diving is not feasible in this area due to commercial harbor activity.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”john-v-jones-us-75766″ title=”References & Links”]
The John V. Jones represents the late era of commercial sail on Lake Michigan, illustrating the decline of lumber schooners and the growing reliance on rail ferries and powered vessels.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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