A groundbreaking discovery has ended a decades-long search for one of Lake Michigan's most elusive shipwrecks.

According to WBAY, researchers have located the F.J. King, a 144-foot cargo schooner that vanished during a violent storm off Wisconsin's Door Peninsula in 1886. The discovery was announced by the Wisconsin Historical Society and Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association on Monday, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of the vessel's sinking.

The three-masted vessel, constructed in Toledo, Ohio in 1867, served as a crucial transport vessel for grain and iron ore during the late 19th century. The ship met its fate while carrying iron ore from Escanaba, Michigan to Chicago, encountering treacherous conditions that would ultimately lead to its demise.

Dramatic Final Hours Before Sinking

The F.J. King encountered devastating waves reaching heights of 8 to 10 feet during a fierce gale, causing critical damage to the ship's structure. Captain William Griffin and his crew fought desperately to save the vessel through hours of continuous pumping.

The situation became dire around 2 a.m. when the ship began sinking bow-first into the turbulent waters. In a particularly dramatic moment, the stern deckhouse was torn away by the storm's force, sending the captain's papers flying 50 feet into the air.

The crew's survival hinged on a fortuitous rescue by a passing schooner that transported them safely to Baileys Harbor. The incident left an indelible mark on maritime history, with the ship's mysterious location spawning decades of speculation and searches.

Breakthrough Discovery Methods

Lead researcher Brendon Baillod employed innovative search techniques to finally locate the historic vessel. His team focused their efforts on a carefully plotted 2-square-mile grid near the lighthouse keeper's reported sighting.

Side-scan radar technology proved crucial in identifying the wreck, revealing a massive object matching the F.J. King's dimensions. The discovery site was less than half a mile from where the lighthouse keeper had reported seeing the ship's masts breaking the surface.

The hull's remarkable preservation surprised the research team, who had expected to find it shattered due to its heavy iron ore cargo. The discovery marks a significant achievement in Great Lakes maritime archaeology.

Growing Concerns for Great Lakes Shipwrecks

The Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association has been particularly active in recent years, documenting multiple historic vessels. Their recent discoveries include the steamer L.W. Crane, tugboat John Evenson, and schooners Margaret A. Muir and Trinidad.

The Great Lakes harbor between 6,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks, with many still awaiting discovery. This vast underwater museum of maritime history faces increasing threats from invasive species.

Recent photographs reveal that the F.J. King's wreckage is already heavily colonized by invasive quagga mussels. This concerning development highlights the urgency of documenting these historic sites before they deteriorate further.

Why This Story Matters

The rediscovery of the F.J. King offers closure to one of Wisconsin’s oldest maritime mysteries and pays tribute to the lives touched by the disaster. It also serves as a testament to the dedication of modern researchers and how historical truth can reemerge after generations of uncertainty. Communities with deep roots in maritime history gain renewed respect and understanding through such efforts.

Conclusion: A century-old shipwreck resurfaces

The long-lost schooner F.J. King, which vanished during a deadly storm in 1886 while hauling iron ore across Lake Michigan, has been located just off Baileys Harbor. Led by researcher Brendon Baillod, the discovery was made on June 28 using sonar technology and historical records.

The vessel was found mostly intact despite the passage of nearly 140 years. Baillod’s team was guided by a lighthouse keeper’s historical report, previously overlooked in half a century of searching. This remarkable find not only advances marine archaeology but also reminds us of the risks and resilience involved in Great Lakes shipping history.