Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

Wooden two-masted scow Schooner(facebook.com)

Description

The Milton was a wooden two-masted scow Schooner constructed in 1867 by the shipbuilding partnership of Thomas Davidson and Lemuel Ellsworth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Measuring 102 feet (31.1 meters) in length with a beam of 24 feet (7.3 meters) and a depth of 7 feet (2.1 meters), she had a Gross Tonnage of 131 and a Net Tonnage of 124. The vessel was primarily utilized in the lumber trade, transporting wood and related materials across the Great Lakes.(wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

History

Throughout her 18-year service life, the Milton operated mainly in the lumber trade, a common industry on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. On September 8, 1885, while en route from Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, to Milwaukee with a cargo of wood, the vessel encountered a severe easterly gale off Two Rivers Point, Wisconsin. The storm proved too formidable for the Milton, causing her to founder. Tragically, five crew members lost their lives in the incident, including three brothers. The vessel was owned and commanded by Captain Julius Matheson of Milwaukee, who also perished in the disaster.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Final Disposition

The Milton Foundered in a heavy gale off Two Rivers Point, Wisconsin, on September 8, 1885, and was declared a Total Loss.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Located By & Date Found

There are no records indicating that the wreck of the Milton has been located.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no known navigational markers or advisories related to the wreck of the Milton.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Milton serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Her loss underscores the dangers of severe weather conditions and the challenges of navigating these inland seas. The tragedy of the Milton highlights the importance of maritime safety and the enduring legacy of those who worked the Great Lakes.

Keywords: Milton, Lake Michigan shipwreck, 1885 gale, wooden scow Schooner, Two Rivers Point(2manitowoc.com)

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, 19th-century maritime incidents, Great Lakes schooners

Glossary Terms:

  • Scow Schooner: A type of flat-bottomed sailing vessel with a broad beam, used primarily for transporting bulk cargo.
  • Foundered: A term used to describe a vessel that has filled with water and sunk.
  • Gross Tonnage (GRT): A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel, including all enclosed spaces.
  • Net Tonnage (NRT): A measure of the usable capacity of a vessel, excluding spaces not used for cargo or passengers.