Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: L. B. Shepard
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: 115 ft × 26 ft × 11 ft; 215 gross, 204 net tons
- Registered Tonnage: 215 gross, 204 net tons
- Location: Approximately ½ mile off Two Rivers, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 14676
- Original Owners: Capt. Charles Anderson of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; owned with his brother
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden schooner, a common vessel type in the mid-19th century, designed for cargo transport.
Description
Description
The L. B. Shepard was a wooden schooner measuring 115 feet in length, 26 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth. It was built in 1855 in Buffalo, NY, and had a registered tonnage of 215 gross and 204 net tons.
History
History
Owned by Capt. Charles Anderson and his brother, the L. B. Shepard was engaged in transporting lumber from Menominee, Michigan, to Chicago. The vessel was operational until its loss in 1898.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On October 13, 1898, the L. B. Shepard encountered a northeast gale, leading to large waves and fog that contributed to its distress.
- The vessel lost its stern section, capsized, and sank after several hours of struggling offshore, with the crew abandoning the ship safely.
- The bow portion later came ashore near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where it broke up on the beach.
- No fatalities were reported among the crew.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The wreck was located approximately ½ mile off Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Local salvagers, aided by a tug (likely Winslow from Detroit), attempted to recover wreckage amidst inclement weather. The main loss involved cargo and hull, with partial structural remains stranded ashore and later dismantled by beachcombers and salvagers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck no longer holds underwater remains, but community salvage operations may have preserved records or artifacts. Local archives may provide further insights into the wreck’s history.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”l-b-shepard-us-14676″ title=”References & Links”]
Conclusion
The L. B. Shepard capsized and sank during a storm on October 13, 1898, with the stern shearing off and part of the hull beaching near Two Rivers, WI. All crewmembers survived. Exploration of local archives may yield valuable information regarding the wreck and its aftermath.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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