Identification & Site Information

Final Voyage & Loss

  • Departure: Weighed anchor from Egg Harbor, Door County Peninsula, with cargo bound north toward Plum Island in Death’s Door Passage. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Capsize: A sudden southern squall capsized the vessel near Plum Island. Captain Burnham aboard the Tug Gregory saw the mishap and rescued the entire crew. (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Towing Attempt: The Gregory towed the Jennibel toward Sturgeon Bay to dewater and save the Hull. However, south of Chambers Island, the Schooner sank to the bottom in approximately 100 ft of water. The tow line was buoyed before the Tug retreated. Attempts to raise her failed when the tow line parted during efforts to refloat her. (Door County Pulse)

Wreck Site & Condition

  • Depth: ~100 ft (30 m), off Chambers Island in Green Bay (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Current Condition:
    • The Hull initially sank intact.
    • A 1960s raising attempt partially pulled the bow and Stern apart, splitting the wreck in two; both sections fell back to the lakebed.
    • The site remains well-preserved for divers—Deck load, internal structure, and cargo are still visible. (Door County Pulse)

Archaeological Significance

  • The intact nature of her wreck allows direct observation of cargo stowage, Deck and hold architecture, and commercial vessel design from the late 19th century.
  • The partial breakup during salvage renders unique research opportunities in tension failure and wreck-raising impacts on wooden hulls.

Research & Dive Recommendations

  1. NARA Vessel Records: Confirm registry, ownership, and crew through Enrollment records.
  2. Primary News Accounts: Investigate newspapers like Door County Advocate or Sturgeon Bay Herald (September 1891) for cargo and crew statements.
  3. Salvage Documentation: Look for logs or correspondence related to the 1960s recovery attempt through Wisconsin Historical Society archives.
  4. Site Monitoring: Use side-scan sonar, magnetometer, or ROV to map structural remains and evaluate preservation – NOAA- or WHS-driven archaeological survey could assess current condition and prepare site reports.

Conclusion

The Jennibel exemplifies a working Door County cargo Schooner lost to sudden weather and sinking during towing—a common hazard in Death’s Door Passage. Its largely intact wreck with visible cargo offers rich archival and archaeological value. Research and non-invasive documentation would bolster our understanding of Great Lakes wooden wreck morphology, maritime salvage procedures, and late-19th-century commercial fleet operations.

If desired, I can help source archival records, dive logs, or prepare a remote-sensing survey plan aligned with WHS or NOAA initiatives.

3D Model