Napoleon US 18174

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Napoleon
• Type: Wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1854
• Builder: Barber’s yard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: Approximately 88 ft × 22 ft × 8 ft; ~108 register tons
• Registered Tonnage: ~108 register tons
• Location: Near Pierport, 15 miles south of Frankfort, Michigan
• Official Number: 18174

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Napoleon was a wooden schooner, a type of sailing vessel commonly used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

Description

Built in 1854, the Napoleon measured approximately 88 feet in length and was primarily used for transporting lumber and other commodities. The vessel was laden with lumber slabs at the time of her loss.

History

The Napoleon had a career span of over three decades, having been launched in 1854 and rebuilt in 1869. Throughout her service, she typically operated between mid-Lake Michigan ports.

Significant Incidents

• On October 30, 1887, the Napoleon was caught in a severe northeast gale while laden with lumber slabs.
• She dragged anchor and was driven onto Pierport beach, sustaining heavy structural damage from the surf and rocks.
• The crew survived the incident, with no casualties reported.

Final Disposition

The hull of the Napoleon was rendered a total loss due to the damage sustained during the storm. The crew managed to reach shore safely.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The probable wreck site is located in the beach vicinity at Pierport, where sections of the hull or iron fittings may be buried in cobble and sand. Scattered timbers, metal fastenings, and cargo remnants may be found in nearshore sediments.

Resources & Links

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The Napoleon serves as a significant historical artifact, illustrating the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the hazardous late-season storms.