Fisherman’s Remarkable Discovery of Historic Shipwreck in Lake Michigan

Fisherman’s Remarkable Discovery of Historic Shipwreck in Lake Michigan

A long-lost shipwreck has been uncovered in the waters of Lake Michigan, much to the astonishment of local historians and officials. Fisherman Christopher Thuss stumbled upon the J.C. Ames while he was angling near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Historical Society officially announced this exciting find on May 16, revealing the tugboat’s fascinating history.

Initially constructed in 1881 for the lumber trade, the J.C. Ames met a fate common among aging vessels. In 1923, it was deliberately sunk, becoming a part of underwater history.

The Discovery

On a foggy day, Thuss noticed the shipwreck approximately nine feet beneath the lake’s surface. Without delay, he reported his discovery to the authorities, marking a significant moment for maritime archaeology in the region.

“These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because they allow a piece of lost history to resurface,” said Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist at the Wisconsin Historical Society. She added that the vessel sat undisturbed for over a century until its unexpected rediscovery.

Historical Significance of the J.C. Ames

The J.C. Ames was considered one of the largest and most powerful tugs on the Great Lakes, built at the impressive cost of $50,000 in its time. This tugboat had a storied past, including damage from a collision in 1889. After being repaired, it changed ownership multiple times before ultimately being discarded.

Thomsen stated that by the time the ship was sunk, it had “outlived its usefulness.” Following its abandonment, it underwent dismantling at Manitowoc, where its engine and boiler were removed before it was towed outside the harbor. Ultimately, it was burned and left in the water.

“Abandoning ships that had outlived their use was a common practice back in those days,” Thomsen explained. She noted that it became somewhat of a spectacle for onlookers when ships were set ablaze during this process.

What Lies Beneath

Not only is the shipwreck significant for its historical context, but it also is home to artifacts that could provide valuable insights into maritime history. Thomsen pointed out that a large propeller, measuring an impressive 10.5 feet in diameter, still lies at the shipwreck site.

Despite the remarkable nature of this find, divers have only recovered a few small artifacts. Thomsen mentioned the challenges divers face in locating shipwrecks in the Maritime Bay near Manitowoc.

“We typically find them when they are uncovered by storms, requiring perfect timing to spot them before they are covered again,” she noted.

A Legacy of Discovery

This discovery is particularly notable because Thuss’s step-grandmother, affectionately dubbed ‘Shipwreck Suzze’ Johnson, is renowned for her own shipwreck discoveries. As a retiree, she took to the skies, operating powered parachutes and ultralight planes, enabling her to spot various shipwrecks from above. In 2015, she famously discovered three shipwrecks in just three days on Lake Michigan.

Connecting to the Past

The Wisconsin Historical Society has been actively involved in uncovering Lake Michigan’s nautical history. Last May, the organization identified 11 ancient canoes in a Madison lake, one dating back to 2500 B.C. Additionally, they announced the discovery of the John Evenson, a tugboat built in 1884, earlier this year.

Such discoveries play an essential role in connecting communities with their maritime heritage. Officials are eager to continue sharing stories of the J.C. Ames with residents of Wisconsin, contributing to a growing narrative of the region’s rich history.

A Gleam of Hope for Further Discoveries

The recent find has prompted renewed interest in underwater archaeology in Lake Michigan. Local historians and archaeologists are hopeful that more shipwrecks may still await discovery in the waters. Given the area’s history of shipbuilding and commerce, the potential for further archaeological evidence remains strong.

The J.C. Ames’s discovery is, without a doubt, a reminder of the treasures that lie beneath the surface of our lakes and rivers, waiting to tell their stories. As researchers and divers work together to uncover these secrets, they will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of maritime history.