Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Milwaukee (1852)

Explore the wreck of the Milwaukee, an early Great Lakes propeller vessel that sank in 1859 during a gale. A significant site for diving and maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Milwaukee
  • Type: Propeller-driven vessel
  • Year Built: 1852
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions: 185 ft (56.4 m) X 29 ft (8.8 m); Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 28.9 m / 95 ft
  • Location: Near Straits of Mackinac, Lake Michigan
  • Official Number: Not Available

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Milwaukee was an early Great Lakes propeller vessel designed to carry passengers and cargo. It utilized a wooden hull and steam-driven propeller, reflecting the technological advancements of mid-19th century maritime engineering.

Description

Built in 1852, the Milwaukee was an important vessel for its time, facilitating transportation and commerce on the Great Lakes. However, on November 16, 1859, the ship sank during a gale on Lake Michigan, near the Straits of Mackinac. The loss was attributed to the severe weather, which overwhelmed the vessel.

Following the sinking, the engine and boiler were salvaged, leaving the wreck in a disarticulated state. Despite the recovery of these components, significant portions of the vessel remain on the lakebed, providing valuable historical and archaeological insights.

History

The wreck lies at a depth of 95 ft (28.9 m) in Lake Michigan, near Michigan’s northern waters.

Significant Incidents

  • The hull is split, and the wreckage is scattered.
  • Intact features include:
  • Hogging arches, a structural element used to prevent the hull from sagging or hogging.
  • Anchor windlass and capstan, critical for anchor operations and docking.
  • Horned rudder and propeller, remnants of the vessel’s propulsion and steering systems.

Final Disposition

The wreck is known among diving communities and maritime historians. It has been documented through studies like those by 3D Shipwrecks and remains a significant site for exploring the history of early Great Lakes propeller vessels.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The depth of the site makes it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Due to its fragmented state, divers should proceed with caution to avoid disturbing the fragile remains. As a protected site, the removal of artifacts is prohibited.

Resources & Links

Overall, the Milwaukee serves as a reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a significant shipwreck.