Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Ole Bull
  • Named for: Ole Bornemann “Ole Bull,” Norwegian violinist and composer
  • Former Names: None
  • Registration Number: Not recorded in surviving enrollment books
  • Year Built: 1853
  • Builder: Unknown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Home Port: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Owner: William Woodruff (Milwaukee)
  • Master: Captain Larsen (first name not recorded)
  • Year Lost: 1855
  • Date of Loss: 21 January 1855
  • Approximate Location: Lake Michigan, likely mid-lake between Milwaukee and Michigan shore; never recovered
  • Depth: Unknown, presumed deep water

Vessel Type

  • Class/Type: Sloop (single-masted)
  • Rig: Sloop rig, sail-powered
  • Construction: Wood, Clinker-built (lapstrake), double-ended, “Nordlandboat” style resembling a miniature Viking longboat
  • Dimensions: Not recorded, but described as “about as broad as she is long” and able to maneuver in either direction without turning
  • Propulsion: Sail only
  • Cargo Capacity: ~60 tons

Description

Ole Bull was a unique Great Lakes sloop, inspired by Norwegian double-ended fishing vessels. It had no bowsprit, no pronounced Stern, and was Clinker-built. The vessel’s construction mirrored the Nordlandboat style, capable of maneuvering easily without turning around.

Service History

Ole Bull had a short but active trading career on Lake Michigan, often carrying Pig Iron, shingle bolts, cream city brick, and lumber between Milwaukee, Chicago, Muskegon, Manistee, Duck Lake, White Lake, and Clay Banks.

Key operational highlights:

  • 10 May 1853: Maiden voyage Milwaukee → Chicago with 60 tons Pig Iron
  • May–Aug 1853: Intensive lumber and shingle trade
  • Aug 1853: Brief controversy when suspected stolen goods were allegedly aboard; Captain Larsen cleared in the press
  • 1854 Season: Regular routes Milwaukee ↔ Muskegon/White Lake; cargo included bricks, bolts, lumber, shingles, lath
  • Nov 1854: Laid up for winter in Milwaukee River

Final Disposition

  • Date of Loss: 21 January 1855
  • Circumstances:
    • Severe winter gale struck Milwaukee
    • Ole Bull, tied at the old Milwaukee River entrance, broke free along with Schooner Union
    • Multiple vessels, including Lady Ann and a Chicago steam Dredge, were blown onto Lake Michigan
    • Ice floes extended 1–2 miles from the Michigan shoreline, some 20–80 ft high, preventing landfall
    • Captain Larsen searched as far as Michigan City with no success
    • Last reported sighting: Drifting in ice mid-lake, per Captain Easson of Lady Ann
  • Casualties: None reported
  • Insurance/Legal: No claims located; presumed uninsured small sloop

Located By & Discovery

  • Status: Unlocated / presumed deep-water loss
  • Search Efforts:
    • No modern confirmed sonar or dive documentation
    • Likely lies in mid-lake deep water (150–200 ft) off Milwaukee
    • Ice rafting may have altered final resting point

NOTMARs & Advisories

  • None recorded in 1855 notices to mariners (predecessor to modern system)

Resources & Archival Links

Historical Significance

  • Represents a rare Norwegian-inspired Great Lakes trading sloop.
  • Linked to Scandinavian migration and maritime heritage in Wisconsin.
  • A unique pre-Civil War trading vessel, reflecting early small-craft commerce on Lake Michigan.
  • If located, it could provide insight into ethnic boatbuilding traditions transplanted to the Great Lakes.

Keywords

  • Region: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee
  • Vessel Type: Sloop, Clinker-built
  • Cause of Loss: Winter storm, mooring failure, ice drift
  • Period: 1850s, pre-Civil War
  • Dive Difficulty: Deep, mid-lake, unlocated
  • Hazards: Ice, offshore drift