Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lumberman
- Type: Three-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder: Allyne Litchfield
- Dimensions: Length ~126.5 ft (38.6 m); Beam ~23.2 ft (7.07 m); Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 20 m / 70 ft
- Location: ~17 mi southeast of Milwaukee, Lake Michigan
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Lumberman is classified as a three-masted wooden schooner, notable for its double-centerboard design, which is a rarer configuration among Great Lakes vessels.
Description
Constructed in 1862 at Blendon’s Landing (Grand Haven), Michigan, the Lumberman was built by shipbuilder Allyne Litchfield. The vessel features a wooden hull with a length of approximately 126.5 feet (38.6 meters) and a beam of about 23.2 feet (7.07 meters). It was primarily used for transporting lumber, bark, and shingles between northern Lake Michigan ports and Chicago during its operational years.
History
The Lumberman had a service history marked by several notable incidents, including collisions in 1869 and 1874, and a lightning strike in 1883 that damaged its mizzen mast. The vessel was rebuilt in 1889, extending its service life until its loss in 1893.
Significant Incidents
- Collisions in 1869 (with bark Hungarian) and 1874 (with Pilgrim).
- Lightning strike in 1883, shattering the mizzen mast.
Final Disposition
The Lumberman sank on April 6, 1893, during a violent squall. The crew, including Master Captain Orin Vose, survived by clinging to the rigging and were rescued approximately three hours later. The masts remained above water until they were removed by Knapp & Gillen in June 1893 under U.S. government authorization.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Lumberman was rediscovered in 1983 and has since become a popular dive site. Much of the ship remains intact, including bulwarks, decking, centerboard trunks, windlass, and bilge pump. However, it faces threats from zebra mussel infestation and structural decay.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”lumberman-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
The Lumberman is a significant archaeological resource, providing insights into mid-19th-century shipbuilding and maritime history. Its preservation status and recreational diving opportunities make it an important site for both research and exploration.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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