Built 1852 · Sank August 7, 1871
Identification & Historical Context
- Built in 1852 by William Jones at Black River, Ohio; the steel‑clad lumber Schooner was named to honor the famed American general (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
- Registered in Chicago; commonly engaged in lumber transport between Menominee, Chicago, and other Great Lakes ports (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
Final Voyage & Tragic Capsize (August 7, 1871)
- Departed Menominee, Michigan, bound for Chicago, laden with a cargo of lumber (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
- In a violent northeast gale while passing through Death’s Door, she took on water, capsized suddenly, and was reduced to a floating Hull (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
- The crew clung to the overturned wreckage for approximately twelve hours before being rescued by the Schooner Ethan Allen, then returned ashore at Menominee (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
Wreck Disposition & Discovery
- The capsized Hull drifted and grounded on a shoal off Hog Island, east of Washington Island, Wisconsin, where it was battered and broken apart (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
- Submerged remains, including bilges, Keelson assembly, Centerboard trunk, and other structural elements, were located in 1998, lying upright in about 7 feet of water on a sand-and-bedrock bottom (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
Archaeological & Historic Significance
- A representative example of mid-19th century lumber schooners, her remains illustrate construction methods and mid-sized Schooner operations.
- The survival of the Winfield Scott’s crew after a 12-hour capsizing ordeal highlights extraordinary seamanship amidst early steam/diesel transition days.
- The wreck forms a valuable shallow-water archaeological site, preserved in less than 2 m of water—readily accessible for survey and documentation.
Sources & Citations
- Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Winfield Scott details including build, final voyage, capsizing and wreck location (wisconsinshipwrecks.org, Wikipedia).
- National Park Service and related resources confirm grounding near Hog Island and preservation status (Wikipedia).
Research Gaps & Suggestions
- Crew Details: Identify crew list via shipping registers or Menominee newspaper archives from August 1871.
- Contemporary Accounts: Search Menominee Advocate or Green Bay Press for firsthand testimonies.
- Site Documentation: Commission detailed archaeological mapping and 3D photogrammetry of the wreck remains.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare with similar Death’s Door wrecks to contextualize seasonal navigation risks and vessel survivability.
Conclusion
The General Winfield Scott capsized in a fierce gale on August 7, 1871, while carrying lumber from Menominee to Chicago. Despite her sudden overturn, her crew survived a harrowing rescue, and parts of her Hull remain visible today in shallow water near Hog Island. The wreck provides a compelling historical and archaeological window into mid-19th century lumber Schooner operations—capturing a moment when industrial growth and lake navigation collided head-on.