| Detailed Information for Christina Nilsson Maritime Trails Marker |
Dive guide available
| WHS Mooring on site
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| General Information |
Attraction Photos |
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| Name: |
Christina Nilsson Maritime Trails Marker |
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Christina Nilsson Historic Marker
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Christina Nilsson Historic Marker
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| Type: |
Historic Marker |
| Built/Established: |
2003 |
| Maritime Trail: |
Green Bay/Door County |
| Lake: |
Michigan |
| City: |
Baileys Harbor |
| County: |
DOOR |
| Open to Public: |
Yes
Snorkel & kayak accessible
Maritime Trails Historic Marker on-site
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| Description: |
This is a perfect site for snorkelers and kayakers! The schooner Christina Nilsson lies in 15' of water just off the Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse. The site is a boat entry dive.
On October 23, 1884, the Christina Nilsson departed Escanaba, Mich., carrying 525 tons of pig iron bound for Chicago. By the time she passed the Sturgeon Bay ship canal, the weather had deteriorated into a blinding snowstorm with gale force winds. Unable to see the entrance to the canal, Captain N. A. Hammer turned north towards the shelter of Baileys Harbor. At 8:30 A.M. on October 24, 1884, high winds forced the schooner into Outer Reef and she foundered. All eight crew members made their way safely to shore in the Nilsson's yawl boat.
Today the easily accessible Nilsson, lying in shallow water on the reef, is ideal for divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. The wreck illustrates the danger of navigating the Great Lakes in the nineteenth-century.
The site was documented by WHS staff and volunteers from the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association.
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| Links & More Information: |
Wisconsin Great Lakes Shipwrecks Detailed history and photos of the Christina Nilsson
View coordinates and details for this vessel in WHS shipwreck database
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