Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Silver Lake US 116263

Explore the wreck of the Silver Lake, a scow schooner sunk in 1900, offering divers a glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Silver Lake
  • Type: Scow Schooner
  • Year Built: 1889
  • Builder: M.L. Johnson
  • Dimensions: 95 ft (29 m) X 20 ft (6.1 m); Depth of hold: 8 ft (2.4 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 64 m / 210 ft
  • Location: Lake Michigan, near Wisconsin
  • Official Number: 116263
  • Original Owners: Nels Johnson of Racine, Wisconsin
  • Number of Masts: One intact mast with a yardarm

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Silver Lake was a scow schooner, a flat-bottomed sailing vessel designed for transporting bulk cargo in shallow waters. These vessels were essential to the commerce of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

Description

Built in 1889, the Silver Lake was sold several times throughout its career and eventually owned by Nels Johnson of Racine, Wisconsin. On its final voyage in 1900, the vessel was carrying a load of maple wood from Eagle Harbor, Green Bay, to Racine, Wisconsin.

On October 22, 1900, at 3:00 AM, the Silver Lake was struck by the railroad car ferry Pere Marquette during heavy fog. The collision split the scow schooner in half, sinking it and resulting in the loss of one life. The wreck is a rare example of this vessel type, which was often lightly built and prone to degradation.

History

The Silver Lake wreck is regarded as one of the most intact examples of a scow schooner on the Great Lakes, offering unparalleled insights into the design and construction of this vessel type. It has been studied extensively by maritime archaeologists and divers.

Significant Incidents

  • October 22, 1900: The Silver Lake was struck by the Pere Marquette during heavy fog, resulting in the vessel sinking.

Final Disposition

The wreck lies at a depth of 210 ft (64 m) in Lake Michigan, near Wisconsin.

• The vessel sits upright and intact, preserving a significant amount of its original structure.

• Features visible at the site include:

• One intact mast with a yardarm and the bowsprit.

• Collision damage is evident on the port side, where the Pere Marquette struck the vessel.

• The double centerboards, an uncommon feature for Great Lakes scow schooners, remain preserved.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck’s depth of 210 ft requires advanced technical diving skills and equipment. Divers should approach the site with caution to avoid damaging the delicate structure. The Silver Lake is protected under Wisconsin law, and removing artifacts is prohibited.

Resources & Links

As you explore the Silver Lake, remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories. Be the diver that makes a difference by respecting this historic site and its surroundings.