Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

The Buena Vista was a two-masted wooden Schooner, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Schooners were favored for their speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber and grain across the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Description

Constructed in 1847 by Francis Jordon in Chicago, Illinois, the Buena Vista was designed for the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. While specific dimensions and tonnage are not documented, vessels of this type and era typically ranged from 80 to 120 feet in length and were integral to the commerce of the region.(wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

History

The Buena Vista operated during a period of significant maritime activity on the Great Lakes, serving as a vital link in the transportation network that supported the economic development of the Midwest. On December 5, 1857, the Buena Vistawas driven ashore and wrecked during a gale south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, near Cedar Grove. This incident occurred during the same storm that claimed the Schooner Brilliant, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. The Buena Vista was Abandoned as a Total Loss. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

Final Disposition

Following the wreck, the Buena Vista was declared a Total Loss and Abandoned. There is no documented evidence of salvage operations or recovery of the vessel. Given the circumstances and the era, it is likely that the remains of the vessel deteriorated over time or were reclaimed by the lake.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, there is no documentation indicating that the wreck of the Buena Vista has been located or surveyed by maritime archaeologists or divers. The exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the Buena Vista‘s wreck site. Given the lack of precise location data and the passage of time, the site does not pose a known hazard to navigation.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Buena Vista‘s loss during the gale of December 5, 1857, underscores the challenges and dangers faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Her story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region, highlighting the importance of these vessels in the economic development of the Midwest and the perils they faced in their service.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Buena Vista, Schooner, Lake Michigan, shipwreck, 1857, Sheboygan, Cedar Grove, Great Lakes maritime history
  • Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Schooner: A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, used extensively on the Great Lakes for cargo transport.
    • Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe winds of force 8 (34–40 knots) on the Beaufort scale, which can cause significant challenges for sailing vessels.
    • Abandoned as a Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel has been deemed beyond repair or salvage and is left to deteriorate.(wisconsinshipwrecks.org)