Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Manitowoc
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1868
- Builder: Rand shipyard, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 210 ft (64 m) X 29 ft (8.8 m); Depth of hold: 13 ft (4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: ~507 gross / 479 net tons
- Location: North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 90465
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Originally built as a sidewheel steamer, the Manitowoc was converted to a three-masted schooner after a fire in 1874. This conversion allowed her to continue serving in the lumber trade across Lake Michigan.
Description
The Manitowoc was a wooden three-masted schooner, approximately 210 feet long, with a beam of 29 feet and a depth of hold of 13 feet. At the time of her loss, she was carrying a cargo of lumber.
History
Constructed in 1868 by Rand shipyard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Manitowoc began her life as a sidewheel steamer. Following a fire in 1874, she was converted into a three-masted schooner, which allowed her to continue operating in the lumber trade. Throughout her service, she navigated the waters of Lake Michigan, contributing to the regional economy.
Significant Incidents
- Converted from a sidewheel steamer to a three-masted schooner after a fire in 1874.
- Lost on November 10, 1900, during a late-season storm.
- Driven ashore on North Manitou Island, resulting in total wreckage.
Final Disposition
The Manitowoc was declared totally wrecked in the registry following her loss. The circumstances of her sinking highlight the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during stormy weather, particularly in the autumn months.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As a wreck, the Manitowoc is located on North Manitou Island. The current condition of the wreck is not documented, but it is noted that the vessel was completely wrecked during the storm.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”manitowoc-us-90465″ title=”References & Links”]
The Manitowoc, a converted sidewheel steamer, met her end on November 10, 1900, when she was driven ashore and wrecked near North Manitou Island. Her loss serves as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during stormy conditions.
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.
built 1868; lost November 10, 1900 Wooden three‑masted schooner (originally a sidewheeler), Lake Michigan
Identification & Specifications
- Built: 1868 by Rand shipyard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, as a sidewheel steamer; converted to a three‑masted schooner after 1874 following a fire.
- Official Number: 90465
- Type & Tonnage: At loss described as wooden three‑masted schooner carrying lumber; approx. 210 × 29 × 13 ft and ~507 gross / 479 net tons.
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date of Loss: November 10, 1900
- Location: Ashore on North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Cause: Overcome by a late-season wreck-driving storm, the vessel was driven ashore and wrecked completely.
- Cargo: Lumber
- Fatalities: Not recorded in the summary; “loss of life?” indicates unrecorded or uncertain.
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Manitowoc |
| Built | 1868, Manitowoc, WI (converted sidewheeler) |
| Official Number | 90465 |
| Type / Tonnage | Wooden 3‑mast schooner, ~507 gt |
| Loss Date | November 10, 1900 |
| Loss Location | North Manitou Island, Lake Michigan |
| Cargo | Lumber |
| Cause of Loss | Storm-driven ashore and wrecked |
| Crew Fatalities | Not confirmed |
| Status at Time | Listed as totally wrecked in registry |
Context & Significance
- Manitowoc began life as a sidewheel steamer and was converted to a full sailing schooner after her 1874 fire. She served the lumber trade across Lake Michigan.
- Her final loss on North Manitou Island underscores the hazards of autumn navigation in this region—storms could easily drive vessels ashore on exposed Great Lakes islands.
- With no known survivors’ statement, the record does not confirm any fatalities, but the absence of data suggests that loss of life cannot be ruled out.
Research Recommendations for Further Study
- Regional newspapers dated early to mid‑November 1900—specifically Manitowoc Herald, Traverse City Record‑Eagle, or Leland Sentinel—may carry loss notices, crew names, or salvage attempt details.
- Insurance or marine underwriter registers filed under Official Number 90465—may include valuation of vessel and cargo, owner identity, or cause of loss.
- Port Manitowoc registry logs before and after loss—likely to contain previous service history and any rebuilding records post‑1874.
- Maritime museum collections such as the Wisconsin Maritime Museum may hold photographs or shipbuilder plans documenting the vessel’s conversion and final voyage.
Conclusion
Manitowoc—a converted sidewheel steamer built in 1868—met her end during a storm on November 10, 1900, when she was driven ashore and wrecked near North Manitou Island, carrying lumber. Though fatality records are unclear, the ship was declared lost in the registry. Her history reflects how even converted vessels had little margin for error in late-season Great Lakes storms.
manitowoc-us-90465 1900-11-10 11:17:00