Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lottie Cooper
- Type: Schooner (three-masted)
- Year Built: 1876
- Builder: Rand & Burger shipyard, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 131 ft (39.9 m); Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approximately 250 gross tons
- Location: DeLand Park, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 140185
- Original Owners: Truman-Cooper Lumber and Flour Mill, later registered in Milwaukee, WI
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Lottie Cooper is classified as a three-masted schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used in the late 19th century for transporting goods, particularly lumber on the Great Lakes.
Description
Constructed in 1876, the Lottie Cooper was built of wood and designed for sail propulsion only. It measured 131 feet in length, 27 feet in beam, and had a hold depth of 9 feet. The vessel was originally owned by the Truman-Cooper Lumber and Flour Mill of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
History
The Lottie Cooper had a notable service history, including incidents such as stranding at Sherman’s Bay in November 1880 and running aground at Port Sanilac, Michigan in August 1884 while carrying lumber. Its final voyage occurred on the night of April 8-9, 1894, when it capsized in a northwest gale while en route from Pine Lake, Michigan to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, resulting in the loss of one crew member.
Significant Incidents
- Stranded at Sherman’s Bay in November 1880.
- Ashore at Port Sanilac, MI in August 1884 while carrying lumber.
Final Disposition
The Lottie Cooper sank just off Sheboygan Harbor and remained buried in sediment until its rediscovery in 1992 during marina construction. Salvaged remnants were raised, partially reconstructed, and are now exhibited at DeLand Park, Sheboygan Waterfront.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is at high risk due to minimal preservation and exposure to the elements. The remains are accessible year-round, with interpretive signage and illustrations available for visitors.
Resources & Links
The Lottie Cooper serves as a significant reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect such cultural artifacts for future generations.