Wisconsin researchers have accidentally discovered a Civil War-era shipwreck believed to be the L.W. Crane. The vessel, built in 1865, sank in 1880 after catching fire, and the discovery was made while exploring the murky Fox River. The Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association (WUAA), which led the expedition, confirmed the find to Fox News Digital, noting that the wreckage was found near Oshkosh.
The ship’s remains were identified using an archaeological-grade sidescan sonar manufactured in Sweden, which allowed researchers to detect the wreck without direct diving. The Fox River’s murky waters and low visibility pose significant challenges for underwater exploration, making it difficult to recover artifacts or conduct further dives. Despite these obstacles, historians believe the ship’s size and location provide strong evidence that it is the L.W. Crane.
The discovery was also publicized by the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), which shared the news on its social media platforms. WHS maritime archaeologist Jordan Ciesielczyk described the find as a