Researchers have uncovered the F.J. King, a schooner that sank in Lake Michigan over 140 years ago. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) confirmed the discovery on September 15, marking the end of a long search for the enigmatic ‘ghost ship.’ The wreck, originally built in 1867 in Ohio, had been the subject of numerous expeditions since the 1970s. Despite claims by local fishermen and a lighthouse keeper, the ship’s location had remained elusive. After years of fruitless searches, a team of 20 citizen scientists and historians finally located the wreck using advanced sonar technology on Lake Michigan. The ship, which was carrying iron ore and grain, was remarkably well-preserved, with the entire crew rescued following the 1886 storm. The discovery is part of a series of recent shipwreck finds facilitated by the WHS, including the L.W. Crane and the J.C. Ames.
Brendon Baillod, the principal investigator and president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association (WUAA), described the moment of discovery as surreal. ‘A few of us had to pinch each other,’ he recalled while reflecting on the event. The ship, measuring 144 feet in length, was built to transport cargo before the fateful storm of 1886. Its remarkable condition surprised the team, as the cargo’s weight could have led to structural collapse. ‘The hull is remarkably intact,’ Baillod added. ‘We expected her to be in pieces due to the weight of the iron ore cargo, but her hull looks to be in one piece.’
The discovery of the F.J. King is not an isolated incident. In recent months, the WHS has facilitated the discovery of other shipwrecks, including the L.W. Crane from 1880, found in the Fox River near Oshkosh, and the J.C. Ames, a tugboat discovered near Manitowoc by a Wisconsin fisherman. These findings highlight the increasing role of citizen scientists and historians in uncovering maritime history. The F.J. King’s location now serves as a significant historical site, offering insights into 19th-century maritime trade and the challenges faced by sailors on Lake Michigan. The ship’s discovery also underscores the importance of preservation efforts for underwater cultural heritage, potentially contributing to academic research and public education on early American maritime history.
While the F.J. King’s discovery has no direct financial implications, it contributes to the broader field of historical preservation and marine archaeology. As researchers continue to explore Lake Michigan’s submerged past, the significance of these discoveries extends beyond mere historical curiosity. They provide tangible connections to the past, enriching our understanding of technological advancements, economic practices, and the human experience aboard 19th-century vessels. The F.J. King’s identification is a testament to the dedication of scholars and the enduring allure of maritime mysteries, offering a glimpse into a time when steam-powered ships navigated the waters of the Great Lakes with the aid of lighthouses and manual navigation.
With the ship’s location confirmed, the next steps for the WHS involve documentation, preservation, and possibly public access. The F.J. King may become a focal point for educational programs, attracting tourism and fostering interest in marine archaeology. The ship’s story, now told in the light of modern technology, continues to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between the past and present through the lens of underwater archaeology. The discovery stands as a beacon for the future of maritime research, reminding us of the countless tales still waiting to be uncovered beneath the waves of Lake Michigan.