Wisconsin Boater Unearths 140-Year-Old Shipwreck in Lake Michigan
The long-lost Frank D. Barker cargo ship is finally rediscovered near Door County, revealing a fascinating slice of Great Lakes history.
Matt Olson, a Door County boat tour guide, recently spotted something unusual while examining satellite images of Lake Michigan. Curious, he grabbed his sonar gear and camera and headed out to Rowleys Bay—and there it was: the skeletal remains of the Frank D. Barker, a 19th-century cargo ship missing for nearly 140 years.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Olson said. “Finding a shipwreck of this size and condition that had gone unnoticed for so long is just incredible.”
Tracing the Final Voyage
The Frank D. Barker, a two-masted wooden vessel built in 1867, was designed to navigate the Great Lakes and Welland Canal, transporting grain, coal, and iron ore. In 1887, while en route to Escanaba, Michigan, bad weather and heavy fog drove the ship onto a limestone outcropping near Spider Island. The crew survived on the island, but attempts to salvage the vessel failed. Historical documents confirmed Olson’s discovery as the legendary Frank D. Barker.
Why This Wreck Stands Out
Unlike many other Great Lakes shipwrecks, the Frank D. Barker is remarkably well-preserved. Resting under just 24 feet of water at Barker Shoal, the hull’s bottom remains intact, and much of the deck machinery is still visible. Layers of zebra mussels and algae now cloak the wooden vessel, giving it an eerie yet majestic presence under the water.
A Personal Touch and Future Plans
Olson shared a special moment taking his six-year-old son snorkeling above the wreck—an unforgettable introduction to maritime history. The Wisconsin Historical Society plans to conduct a detailed archaeological survey and may nominate the site for the National Register of Historic Places. The wreck is legally protected, and removing artifacts is strictly prohibited.
Preserving Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage
The Frank D. Barker was valued at around $8,000 in 1887—over $250,000 today. Door County alone hosts over 250 known shipwrecks, each telling a story about the region’s maritime past. Experts stress the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations, ensuring the lessons and legacy of Great Lakes shipping aren’t lost to time.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here