Visit Wisconsin's Maritime Trails

The wreck of the schooner Lumberman rests in 55 feet of water. A seasonal WHS mooring buoy marks the site.

Built in July 1862 at Blendons Landing, Michigan by the A.C. Litchfield Shipyard, the schooner Lumberman began its final journey at the port of Chicago. Departing for her first trip of the season, the schooner intended to pick up a load of lumber from Kewaunee, Wisconsin. On April 7th, 1893, just south of Milwaukee, winds from a sudden storm overpowered and capsized the 126-foot Lumberman. The vessel immediately began filling with water and soon began to sink.

Below decks during the unexpected squall, Captain Voss and two crew members barely escaped. The crew was able to quickly climb the rigging; however, the captain became tangled in the rigging and began to go down with the vessel. He finally managed to free himself from the sinking vessel and swam to the surface. The passing steamer Menominee spotted the Lumberman's masts sticking out of the water and rescued the crew.