Lead Image

Identification Card (Site Style)

Description

The R.B. King was a compact wooden Schooner built in 1863 by G. Hanson in St. Joseph, Michigan. Equipped with three masts and modest tonnage (~83 gt / 79 nt), she was designed for nearshore and harbor navigation—often used for regional freight or ballast voyages.

History

Launched during the Civil War era, the R.B. King plied the local trade routes of Lake Michigan for more than two decades. By late 1885, her condition had deteriorated significantly—her timbers weakened to the point that her insurance had been canceled shortly before her final departure, indicating structural decline at the time of loss. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Final Dispositions

On 8 November 1885, en route under ballast to Muskegon, the Schooner attempted to enter Muskegon harbor amid a gale. She struck the north pier, capsized, and sank. Two crew members drowned, while the Life-Saving Service rescued the remaining two. The following day, surf action fragmented the wreck. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Located By & Date Found

There was no formal discovery mission—news of the sinking and wreckage appeared immediately after the incident. The wreck was noted publicly shortly after the event, but no documented archaeological recovery or survey was later conducted.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No Notices to Mariners or official hazard advisories were issued; the wreck occurred inside Muskegon’s protected harbor area and left no known navigational obstruction thereafter.

Dive Information

No dive site exists. Given the destruction and dispersal of wreckage in shallow harbor surf, no remains remain for modern exploration.

Crew & Casualty Memorials

Two crew members—Fringle Frinsleson and Andrew Olsen—perished in the sinking; two others survived. The Life-Saving Service conducted the rescue. No known memorials or burial records have been identified; further archival research in Muskegon or regional newspaper obituaries may illuminate their identities. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Documented Statements & Extracts

“MUSKEGON, Mich., November 10.—The Schooner R. B. King was wrecked here Sunday, and Fringle Frinsleson and Andrew Olsen, sailors, were drowned. The remainder of the crew was …”
— *Indianapolis Journal*, 11 November 1885 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Official Number 21286 confirms U.S. registry. Constructed in St. Joseph, Michigan in 1863, she served in regional trades. Prior to her loss, her insurance was canceled, suggesting insurer concern over seaworthiness. Insurance records or enrollment ledgers from Michigan or federal maritime archives would provide more detail.

Site Documentation & Imaging

No site photos, sketches, or archaeological records are available. The wreck was quickly dismantled by surf following the accident.

Image Gallery

Resources & Links

• Indiana State Library: Indianapolis Journal archives
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (WordPress) – *R.B. King* entry
• U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
• Chronicling America – Library of Congress

References

1. Indianapolis Journal, 11 November 1885 – report of sinking and casualties.
2. Great Lakes Shipwreck Files – vessels database, construction and loss details.

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card