Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Scow #1
- Type: Wooden cargo scow
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Foot of Wisconsin Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 11895
- Original Owners: Bay de Noquette Lumber Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden cargo scow (flat-bottomed barge), typically used for hauling lumber or bulk goods.
Description
The Scow #1 was a wooden cargo scow designed for transporting lumber. It was flat-bottomed, which made it suitable for shallow waters, but also vulnerable to severe weather conditions.
History
Scow #1 was engaged in hauling lumber from Bay de Noquette, Michigan, to Chicago, Illinois, when it encountered severe storm conditions. The vessel broke from its tow and grounded ashore near Milwaukee.
Significant Incidents
- On September 22, 1895, while under tow, Scow #1 broke free and grounded near the foot of Wisconsin Street, Milwaukee.
- Initial salvage efforts were thwarted by a sudden gale, leading to the abandonment of the vessel.
- Rescue operations successfully saved all crew members, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
Final Disposition
The abandoned scow was gradually pounded and dispersed by surf, leading to its effective loss in shallow water. No underwater wreck surveys or dive documentation have recorded remains.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck site has not been documented through underwater surveys, and the remains of Scow #1 are presumed to have been consumed by wave action.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”scow-1-pre-1895″ title=”References & Links”]
This case illustrates the challenges faced by 19th-century cargo scows, including minimal structural resilience and high exposure to storm stress. The story of Scow #1 is documented in various historical accounts and offers insights into maritime operations of the time.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
(lost September 22, 1895)
Identification & Basic Overview
- Designation: Scow #1
- Type: Wooden cargo scow (flat-bottomed barge), typically used for hauling lumber or bulk goods
- Loss Date: September 22, 1895
- Cause: Severe storm conditions
Loss Circumstances
- Was hauling lumber from Bay de Noquette, Michigan, to Chicago, Illinois, while under tow.
- Broke from tow and grounded ashore near the foot of Wisconsin Street, Milwaukee. Initially efforts began to salvage her using pontoons, but a sudden gale reversed salvage attempts. A pontoon broke free, the scow pounded heavily by surf, and rescue crews pulled off.
- After several days, the vessel was abandoned and reported as broken into pieces—effectively a total loss. Cargo was largely recovered.
(wisconsinshipwrecks.org) - The ownership was attributed to Bay de Noquette Lumber Company; the estimated loss value was around $2,500 at the time.
(wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Crew & Casualties
- Several workers or crew members were aboard during salvage; they boarded to assist raising the scow. Their small boat drifted free, stranding them temporarily in heavy surf. Rescue operations by lifesaving crews saved all, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
(wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Final Disposition & Wreck Site
- The abandoned scow was gradually pounded and dispersed by surf. No underwater wreck surveys or dive documentation have recorded remains.
- She was effectively lost in shallow water and consumed by wave action.
(Wikipedia)
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Scow #1 |
| Built | Not documented |
| Vessel Type | Lumber scow (flat-bottom barge) |
| Loss Date | September 22, 1895 |
| Tow Route | Bay de Noquette, MI → Chicago, IL |
| Cause of Loss | Broke tow in storm; grounded; pounded apart |
| Cargo | Lumber (mostly recovered) |
| Crew & Casualties | No fatalities; some workers rescued |
| Final Status | Abandoned and smashed to pieces |
Additional Notes & Suggested Next Steps
- This case illustrates the challenges of 19th-century cargo scows: minimal structural resilience, high exposure to storm stress, and limited salvage window.
- Scow #1’s story appears in underwriting reports and Milwaukee newspaper accounts from September 1895.
- For extended research, consider exploring:
- Milwaukee Sentinel archives (especially September 23–25, 1895) for eyewitness and rescue coverage.
- Underwriters’ logs or insurance files listing vessel Official No. 11895, loss valuation, and cargo details.
- Bay de Noquette Lumber Company records, if available, for documentation of the scow’s contract, value, or intended cargo run.