Liberty 14672

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Liberty
• Type: Schooner (two-masted)
• Year Built: 1861
• Builder: L. Larned
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 81.44 tons
• Location: Near Oak Creek, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
• Coordinates: N 42° 54.122' / W 087° 50.544'
• Official Number: 14672
• Original Owners: Original: L. Larned, Cottrellville, MI; Later Master: Captain Michael Doyle
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden two-masted schooner, primarily used for Great Lakes commercial trade.

Description

The Liberty was constructed in 1861 in Cottrellville, Michigan, and was primarily engaged in light bulk cargoes such as hay, feed, and lumber. The vessel was built by L. Larned, who was also its original owner.

History

Throughout its service history, the Liberty was involved in coastwise trade along the Lake Michigan shoreline, serving ports such as Chicago and Milwaukee. It was wrecked in 1872 but was successfully recovered and repaired. The last enrollment was surrendered on April 2, 1880, marking it as a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• Wrecked in 1872 but recovered and repaired.
• Last enrollment surrendered on April 2, 1880, marked as total loss.

Final Disposition

The Liberty was broken in two on the south point of the Milwaukee County shoreline and became completely encased in ice, preventing salvage attempts. It was likely destroyed by storms and ice movement during the winter of 1879-80, with no extant wreckage documented in modern surveys.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is shallow and nearshore, likely buried in sand and ice, making it not suitable for recreational diving.

Resources & Links

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The Liberty serves as a historical example of mid-19th century small Great Lakes schooners and highlights the risks associated with winter navigation and ice accumulation.