Rose Dousman

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: ROSE DOUSMAN
• Type: Wooden schooner
• Year Built: 1855
• Builder: Leander Cox
• Dimensions: Length: 88 ft (26.8 m); Beam: 23 ft (7 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 133 tons
• Location: Near New Buffalo, Lake Michigan
• Official Number: Not available
• Original Owners: Roach & Connor of Milwaukee (1864)
• Number of Masts: Two-masted

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The ROSE DOUSMAN was a two-masted wooden schooner, typical of mid-19th-century vessels designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.

Description

The ROSE DOUSMAN was constructed in 1855 by shipbuilder Leander Cox in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It measured 88 feet in length, had a beam of 23 feet, and a depth of 8 feet, with a tonnage of 133 tons. The vessel was known for its sturdy construction and serviceable design.

History

Throughout its operational life, the ROSE DOUSMAN primarily served in the cargo trade across the Great Lakes. In 1864, it was owned by Roach & Connor of Milwaukee and engaged in transporting various goods. Specific details about its voyages remain limited.

In the first week of April 1867, while navigating near New Buffalo on Lake Michigan, the ROSE DOUSMAN encountered a severe storm, leading to its stranding and total loss. Tragically, three crew members perished in the incident, although the exact circumstances and cargo details remain undocumented.

Significant Incidents

• Stranded during a storm near New Buffalo, Lake Michigan, in early April 1867.
• Three crew members lost their lives in the incident.

Final Disposition

The ROSE DOUSMAN was declared a total loss after stranding during a storm. The wreck’s remains have not been documented as salvaged or located.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no records indicating that the wreck of the ROSE DOUSMAN has been located or surveyed. No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the location of the loss.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the ROSE DOUSMAN highlights the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century, where unpredictable weather and limited navigational aids often led to tragic outcomes.