Researchers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association made a remarkable discovery last June when they located the wreckage of the steamship Milwaukee at the bottom of Lake Michigan. The ship had sunk in 1868 after a collision with another lumber ship, the C. Hickox, during a thick fog.
The team, led by Valerie van Heest, used historical news clippings, weather data, and remote sensing equipment to pinpoint the location of the Milwaukee. The discovery was announced recently, shedding light on the tragic event that led to the ship’s demise.
The Milwaukee, which was on its way to Muskegon, Mich., to pick up a load of lumber, sank almost two hours after the collision. Despite the chaos that ensued on board, only one crew member, Dennis Harrington, lost his life in the accident.
The researchers also uncovered interesting details about the ship’s history, including its remodeling by Lyman Gates Mason to increase cargo capacity. The discovery of the Milwaukee marks the 19th successful find by the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association since its inception.
Valerie van Heest emphasized the significance of these shipwrecks as artifacts that tell stories of the past. The Milwaukee’s wreckage serves as a reminder of the region’s reliance on lumber during that era and highlights the importance of preserving these historical sites.
