Identification & Site Information
- Name: Lookout
- Former Names: None known
- Official Number: Not located in accessible sources
- Date Built: 1855
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Measurements: Not specified in current records
- Date Lost: April 29, 1897
- Final Disposition: Grounded and wrecked off Rawley Point (Twin Rivers Point), Wisconsin
Vessel Type
Description
The Lookout was a wooden Schooner designed with a clipper-type Hull—a rare design for Great Lakes vessels, more commonly used in ocean-going ships. These hulls featured a sharper deadrise and narrower beam, optimizing them for speed rather than the broader cargo-friendly designs typical of lake freighters. Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1855, she was used throughout her long career to transport essential cargoes like grain, coal, and lumber across various Great Lakes ports.
History
Lookout enjoyed an exceptionally long career on the Great Lakes, sailing for over 45 years. Her final voyage began in April 1897 when she encountered a fierce gale while rounding Rawley Point on Lake Michigan’s western shore. She was driven aground just 200 yards offshore in the area’s infamous “quicksand.” By 5 AM the following day, the vessel was discovered by a local Life-Saving Service patrol.
Recognizing the danger posed by the worsening storm and crashing surf, the captain ordered the crew to abandon ship using the Yawl boat. All hands survived and met the lifesaving crew onshore. The following day, Lookout’s Deck was underwater and the Hull irretrievably stuck in the shifting sands. Only the anchor, some chain, and navigational instruments were salvaged. The ship was declared a Total Loss.
Final Disposition
Declared a total wreck after grounding at Rawley Point on April 29, 1897. The Hull remains embedded in nearshore sands.
Located By & Date Found
- Discovered by: Suzze Johnson (ultralite pilot)
- Discovery Date: 2015
- Surveyed by: Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologists and volunteers in July 2015
- Update: Revisits and updated documentation conducted in 2024
NOTMARs & Advisories
Nil return.
Shore Dive Information
- Shore Access Location: Point Beach State Forest, near Rawley Point Lighthouse, Wisconsin
- Entry Type: Beach entry
- Depth Range: ~3 m / 10 ft
- Current & Conditions: Generally calm; Visibility varies; moving sands continue to shift the wreckage coverage
- Points of Interest: Bow section, intact lower Hull, Centerboard, and part of starboard Hull
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (suitable for paddlers and snorkelers)
- Safety & Emergency Info:
- Nearest hyperbaric chamber: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Emergency Contacts:
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan: +1 414-747-7100
- 911 (U.S. emergency services)
- Nearest 911 Address: Point Beach State Forest Park Office – 9400 County Hwy O, Two Rivers, WI 54241
- Local Regulations: Wreck site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; no artifact removal
- Best Time to Dive: Summer, calm weather days for surface Visibility
- Driving Directions: Accessible from Two Rivers, WI. From Hwy 42, take County Hwy O east to Point Beach State Forest
- Google Maps
- Apple Maps
- Additional Resources:
- Wisconsin Historical Society Shipwreck Info
- National Register of Historic Places Nomination for Lookout (2017)
Resources & Links
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks (WHS)
- National Register of Historic Places
- Wisconsin Historical Society Dive Documentation (2015, 2024)
Conclusion
The Lookout is a rare example of a clipper-hulled Schooner on the Great Lakes, representing unique design evolution and enduring maritime service. Her accessible location, shallow depth, and historical significance make her an excellent site for both diving and historical exploration. Preserved under layers of sand, the wreck continues to provide insights into Great Lakes shipping history and evolving underwater archaeological methods.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
- Keywords: Clipper Schooner, Rawley Point shipwreck, Point Beach dive site, Great Lakes sailing vessel, Lookout 1897 wreck
- Categories: Wisconsin Shipwrecks, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Schooners, Shore Dives, Historic Shipwrecks
- Glossary Terms: Clipper Hull, Yawl boat, lifesaving station, deadrise, starboard, Centerboard, quicksand anchoring, surfboat rescue