Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Monitor
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Michigan
- Coordinates: Not recorded
- Number of Masts: Presumed two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Monitor was likely a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of vessels built for Great Lakes freight service in the 1860s. These schooners were workhorses, hauling grain, lumber, coal, and stone between Lake Michigan ports.
Description
The Monitor foundered suddenly on September 25, 1898, under still-unclear conditions, resulting in the loss of five lives. The next day, the ship was observed with two spars visible above water, suggesting that the vessel either sank in shallow water or remained temporarily buoyant while partially submerged.
History
No recovery was documented at the time, and the event was recorded as a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- Loss of five lives during the sinking.
Final Disposition
The Monitor sank in Lake Michigan. The visibility of two spars post-wreck suggests a shallow or semi-submerged wreck site. The current location is not confirmed in public wreck registries and may remain undocumented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck’s condition is unknown, and it may be difficult to locate due to the lack of GPS data and documentation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”monitor-1862″ title=”References & Links”]
The Monitor serves as a reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th century, with its tragic loss highlighting the need for continued exploration and documentation of shipwrecks in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →