The J.C. Ames tugboat, a significant piece of Wisconsin’s maritime history, was recently discovered by Christopher Thuss, a fisherman, in Lake Michigan. This 1923 shipwreck, built in 1881 for the lumber trade, had been intentionally sunk after it outlived its use. The discovery has sparked interest among local officials and history enthusiasts, bringing to light a previously unknown chapter of the state’s past. The Wisconsin Historical Society, which announced the find on May 16, noted that such accidental discoveries can reveal lost narratives and connect communities with their heritage.
Thuss, who made the find on a foggy day near the coast of Manitowoc, reported the wreck to authorities, leading to further investigation. Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist at the Wisconsin Historical Society, expressed excitement about the discovery, stating that it allows a piece of lost history to resurface. The ship, which cost $50,000 to build, was one of the largest and most powerful tugs on the lakes before it was damaged in a collision in 1889. Despite this, it was repaired and changed ownership over the years before ultimately being discarded. The ship’s intentional sinking in 1923 was part of a historical practice of abandoning ships that had outlived their use, often accompanied by public spectacles as they were set on fire and dismantled.
Thomsen also highlighted that the Maritime Bay near Manitowoc is home to at least 13 abandoned ships, with only three having been identified so far. The remaining shipwrecks are often hidden beneath the lake’s surface, requiring perfect timing and conditions to be uncovered. The discovery of the J.C. Ames is particularly notable as it was found by Thuss, whose step-grandmother, ‘Shipwreck Suzze’ Johnson, has a reputation for finding shipwrecks herself. Johnson’s ability to discover multiple shipwrecks in Lake Michigan in a short period has made her a local legend, underscoring the region’s rich maritime history.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Historical Society has made several other historical discoveries in recent years, including 11 ancient canoes found in a Madison lake, one dating back to 2500 B.C. and the discovery of the John Evenson, a tugboat built in 1884, also in Lake Michigan. These findings continue to attract public interest and highlight the importance of preserving and studying the region’s historical artifacts. The recent discovery of the J.C. Ames not only adds to the historical narrative of the area but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which the past can resurface for those who look for it.