Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Laura Johnson
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: L.D. LaFountain
- Dimensions: ~50 ft length, ~15 ft beam, ~6 ft hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~34 g
- Location: Ashore near Racine North Point, ~8 miles north of Racine harbor entrance
- Official Number: 140527
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden scow-schooner designed for carrying gravel.
Description
The Laura Johnson was a wooden scow-schooner built in 1882, primarily used for transporting gravel. It measured approximately 50 feet in length, 15 feet in beam, and had a hold depth of about 6 feet. The vessel had a gross tonnage of around 34 g.
History
Operated out of Chicago and various Lake Michigan ports, the Laura Johnson was engaged in the gravel trade. On July 17, 1890, while loading gravel off Racine’s North Point, the vessel encountered a sudden northeast gale that drove it ashore, resulting in severe damage. The ship could not be refloated and was declared a total loss, with no reported loss of life.
Significant Incidents
- July 17, 1890: Driven ashore by a gale while loading gravel off Racine, Wisconsin.
Final Disposition
After the wreck, some of the cargo was salvaged. The remains of the Laura Johnson were stripped and left to break up over the winter. Reports indicate that the hull bed may have been located by divers, but this identification remains unconfirmed.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is believed to be ashore near Racine North Point, approximately 8 miles north of the Racine harbor entrance. The current condition of the wreck is uncertain, with reports of scanning by divers but no conclusive identification.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”laura-johnson-us-140527″ title=”References & Links”]
The Laura Johnson serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Its wreck highlights the importance of maritime safety and the historical significance of shipping routes in the region.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Scow‑Schooner (Built 1882; Sank July 17 1890)
Identification & Construction
- Type: Wooden scow‑schooner (cargo gravel)
- Built: 1882 at South Haven, Michigan by L.D. LaFountain; official registry # 140527 (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Dimensions: ~50 ft length, ~15 ft beam, ~6 ft hold; gross tonnage ~34 g (USCG History)
Service & Final Voyage
- Role: Operated as a gravel scow out of Chicago/Lake Michigan ports (baillod.com)
- Loss: On July 17, 1890, while loading gravel off Racine’s North Point, a sudden northeast gale drove her ashore. She was severely damaged, could not be refloated, and was declared a total loss. No loss of life reported (baillod.com)
- Cargo recovery: Some of her cargo was salvaged; the wreck was stripped and left to break up over the winter (baillod.com)
Wreck Location & Current Status
- Approximate site: Ashore near Racine North Point, ~8 miles north of Racine harbor entrance on Lake Michigan (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Remains: Reports indicate the hull bed was scanned by divers and may have been located, though identification is unconfirmed (baillod.com)
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Laura Johnson |
| Built | 1882, South Haven, MI (L.D. LaFountain) |
| Type | Wooden scow‑schooner, gravel cargo |
| Lost | July 17, 1890, during storm off Racine, WI |
| Loss Cause | Driven ashore by gale while loading gravel |
| Lives Lost | None |
| Current Wreck | Possibly scanned near North Point; unconfirmed |
Research & Verification Notes
- Confirmed via multiple sources (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Wisconsin Shipwrecks, regional newsletters) that the Laura Johnson was wrecked in a storm while loading gravel off Racine’s North Point on July 17, 1890 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
- The hull bed has reportedly been recorded by divers, though no conclusive confirmation exists in public records or surveys (baillod.com).