Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lily E.
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1869
- Builder: Jasper Hanson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length 123 ft (37.5 m); Beam 25.5 ft (7.8 m); Depth 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 210 tons (approx. 190 metric tonnes)
- Location: Lake Michigan, near Manistee, Michigan
- Official Number: Not specified
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Lily E. was a wooden-hulled, two-masted schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Schooners were favored for their cargo capacity and ability to navigate the often shallow and treacherous waters of the lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1869 by Jasper Hanson in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Lily E. measured 123 feet (37.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 25.5 feet (7.8 meters) and a depth of 8 feet (2.4 meters). With a tonnage of 210 tons (approx. 190 metric tonnes), she was designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Her wooden construction reflected the typical design of the period, optimized for carrying heavy cargoes essential to the growing cities around the lakes.wisconsinmaritime.pastperfectonline.com
History
On November 11, 1883, the Lily E. was in tow of the tug Williams and inbound to Manistee, Michigan, carrying a cargo of sacked oats. During a heavy southwest storm, she struck a bar near Manistee and was wrecked. All eight crew members aboard perished in the incident. The exact circumstances of the incident, including the specific location of the wreck and contributing factors, remain undocumented in the available sources.
Significant Incidents
- November 11, 1883: The Lily E. struck a bar during a heavy southwest storm, leading to the wreck and loss of all eight crew members.
Final Disposition
Following the wrecking during the storm, the Lily E. was declared a total loss. There is no information indicating that the wreck was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken. The absence of detailed records suggests that the incident, while tragic, may not have been widely reported at the time, contributing to the lack of comprehensive historical data.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Lily E. has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lily-e-1869-louisa-mcdonald” title=”References & Links”]
The Lily E. serves as a somber reminder of the hazards faced by mariners on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss in 1883 underscores the perils of sudden storms and the challenges of navigation during that era. While the lack of detailed records limits our understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding her demise, the Lily E. remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Michigan.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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