No photo on file
Located
Octavia
schooner, 2-mast · 1849–1874
Lost
2 May 1874
Cause
On May 9, 1874, Octavia loaded 100 cords of wood at the nor…
Lives lost
Not recorded
Depth
Not recorded
Reportedly lies near Kewaunee, Lake Michigan.
Created 11 Aug 2026 Revised 15 Aug 2026 Last source added 15 Aug 2026 20 facts · 6 sources
Tombstone
Best value from the sources on record.
Type
schooner, 2-mast
Propulsion
sail
Hull
wood
Built
1849
Builder
Capt. Stockton or James McLaughlin. Was built either at Kalamazoo, Michigan by James McLaughlin or built at Singapour, Michigan by Stockton.
Port of registry
Chicago, IL
Official no.
18911
Dimensions
108.4 × 24.1 × 6.88 ft · 135.86 GT
Lost
2 May 1874
Cause
On May 9, 1874, Octavia loaded 100 cords of wood at the north pier of Kewaunee for Joseph Walender and left shortly before dark. The wind died away and the vessel was carried by the groundswell northward toward a stony shoal near the village limits; the master, unfamiliar with the area, dropped anchor too late and Octavia went hard aground about 800 feet from shore, ending up stern toward shore, listed to the south. On 5/19/1874 the Kewaunee Enterprise reported the schooner stripped and abandoned, her hull said to be twenty-six years old. Last document of enrollment surrendered Chicago 9/30/1875, marked vessel total loss.
More from the record (3)
Build history
Three-masted wooden schooner Octavia, built 1849 either by Art and Frank Stockbridge at Kalamazoo, Michigan, or by Captain Stockton at Singapore, Michigan (source uncertain of exact builder/location). Registry number 18911. Length 108.40 ft, beam 24.10 ft, depth of hold 6.88 ft, gross tonnage 135.86. Valued $2,000, rated C2 in 1863; valued $3,000, rated C1 in 1874 by the Board of Lake Underwriters. Original owners Art Carter and Frank Stockbridge; final owners Johnson and Downs, Chicago.
Prior incident
1855: ashore at Grand River, Michigan. January 11, 1856: ashore near Calumet. 1858: sank at St. Joseph, Michigan, later raised.
Status note
research_status normalized 26 Oct 2026: confirmed -> located
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Octavia
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Either James McLaughlin (Kalamazoo, MI) or Captain Stockton (Singapour, MI)
- Dimensions: Length 108.4 ft (33.0 m); Beam 24.1 ft; Depth of hold 6.88 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 136 gross tons
- Location: Off north pier, Kewaunee, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: Approximately 44°28.126′ N, 87°29.377′ W, off Kewaunee pier
- Official Number: 18911
- Original Owners: Art Carter & Frank Stockbridge, Kalamazoo/Chicago
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type & Specifications
- Type: Wooden three-masted schooner
- Builder Name: James McLaughlin / Capt. Stockton
- Hull Material: Wood
- Rig: Schooner, 3 masts
- Dimensions:
- Length: 108.4 ft
- Beam: 24.1 ft
- Hold Depth: 6.88 ft
- Tonnage: Approx. 136 gross tons
Description
Description
The Octavia exemplifies mid-19th-century timber schooners that facilitated material movement from Michigan to Lake Michigan ports. Its grounding and abandonment off Kewaunee reflect common navigational hazards faced by these vessels, especially when relying on anchor in adverse wind conditions—a recurring factor in regional maritime accidents.
History
Service History
- Maintained service from 1849–1874 across Lake Michigan boarding small cargo such as timber and general freight.
- Known incidents:
- Aground near Grand River, MI (1855)
- Aground near Calumet (Jan 1856)
- Sank at St. Joseph, MI in 1858 (later raised)
- Valuation: $2,000 in earlier years; $3,000 in 1874, rated C1 insurance grade.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- Grounded due to calm winds and insufficient anchoring on its final voyage.
- Stripped and abandoned by 19 May 1874, deemed beyond salvage at 26 years old.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The vessel was stripped and abandoned shortly after grounding, with its remains likely not preserved and unguided for diving.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: Likely stripped remains; not preserved and unguided for diving. Archaeological Recognition: Listed in the Wisconsin Shipwrecks database; included in site maps.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”octavia-us-18911″ title=”References & Links”]
Summary
The Octavia serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by 19th-century vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Its story contributes to the maritime heritage of the region.
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Registry
Great Lakes Ships record
2896201 Open source
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David Swayze Shipwreck File
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BGSU Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
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Marmus · Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
Ship lists held by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, Kingston: the Mills List (Canadian Coastal and Inland Steam Vessels, 1809–1930) and the Wallace List.
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Stewardship
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Website
WI Shipwrecks: Octavia (1849)
Wisconsin Sea Grant / Wisconsin Historical Society
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Wisconsin Shipwrecks, Vessel Details 475
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