Accidental Unearthing of a Century-Old Shipwreck in Wisconsin

During a routine exploration of the waters in Wisconsin, a shipwreck from over a century ago was unexpectedly unearthed.

Recently, both the Maritime Preservation Program and the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, parts of the Wisconsin Historical Society, embarked on a sonar examination of the Fox River. This examination aimed to chart around 2.5 miles of the waterway, targeting various presumed cultural landmarks. Among them was a steamboat that had sunk in 1870, alongside another previously surveyed shipwreck from 2016.

Revealing Hidden Stories Beneath the Waves

By deploying advanced sonar capable of producing a detailed three-dimensional image of the riverbed, the team mapped the entire section with remarkable clarity. This area is known to be cluttered with debris such as hefty logs, stones, and fragments from bygone wooden rafts and dilapidated bridges. Within this jumble, the unexpected discovery of another ship’s vestiges caught the researchers by surprise.

‘This is the thrill of archaeology—stumbling upon unforeseen finds!’ enthused a spokesperson from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

The Discovery of L.W. Crane's Remains

The high-resolution scan uncovered a ship hull partially embedded in sediment, measuring approximately 90 feet in length and 23 feet in breadth. The Historical Society believes these remains likely belong to the L.W. Crane, a wooden paddle-wheel steamer distinct from the 1870 wreck the team initially targeted.

Constructed in 1865 in Berlin, Wisconsin, the L.W. Crane served to transport both people and cargo between Green Bay and Oconto. Unfortunately, a fire in 1880 led to its destruction and sinking near Oshkosh, directly across from its current resting place.

Details about how the fire started or if there were passengers at that tragic moment remain undisclosed.

Challenges in Continuing Research

Current research efforts face challenges due to the sediment cluttered riverbed. The Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association continues its investigation, aiming to learn more about both the L.W. Crane and the 1870 wreck.