Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Sylvanus Marvin
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1842
- Builder: Samuel Farnum (or Farmin), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: 65 × 18.9 × 6.1 ft; approx. 65 GT
- Registered Tonnage: 65 GT
- Location: Off Racine, Wisconsin
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Two-masted wooden schooner; plain stem.
Description
The Sylvanus Marvin was a small but robust vessel typical of early 1840s Great Lakes freight vessels, primarily used for coastwise cargo delivery.
History
Built in 1842 by Samuel Farnum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Sylvanus Marvin was engaged in coastal trade until its loss in 1851.
Significant Incidents
On May 22, 1851, during a mid-lake passage, the Sylvanus Marvin encountered severe weather and foundered well offshore of Racine. All nine crew members, including Captain Denton, were lost at sea. The vessel was likely overwhelmed by rough conditions, capsizing or sinking before any rescue could be attempted.
Final Disposition
The schooner sank in deep water soon after the distress event, with sparse details and absence of wreckage suggesting a rapid loss. The existence of multiple name variants and conflicting wreck locations indicates confusion among early maritime record-keepers.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Details regarding the current condition of the wreck are limited, and it remains unlocated.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”sylvanus-marvin-s-marvin-or-sylvester-marvin-1842″ title=”References & Links”]
The Sylvanus Marvin disappeared offshore in a violent May 1851 storm, leading to the tragic drowning of all aboard. This loss reflects the inherent risk of small schooners navigating Lake Michigan during sudden seasonal storms.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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