Our Blog
Wisconsin Marine Historical Society is a self-supported nonprofit organization committed to collecting, preserving, archiving, and sharing materials that illuminate the rich heritage of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Check out our blog to dive deep into the fascinating narratives and events that have shaped the Great Lakes maritime legacy. Search our blog index to find your favorite stories.
Long Ships Passing – In the Kingdom of Fire and Noise
February 5, 2026By Chris Winters “In the Kingdom of Fire and Noise...” Tending USCGC MACKINAW WAGB 83’s Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines while breaking ice on Lake Superior, March 2005. ----------- The USCG Cutter MACKINAW (WAGB-83) was the high tech icebreaker when launched by the American Shipbuilding Company in March of 1944. She…Read more
SHIPWRECK FROM THE AIR IDENTIFIED
February 1, 2026By James Heinz I have posted several photos of unidentified shipwrecks on the bottom of Lake Michigan that I photographed from the air. This is a post about another such shipwreck whose identity I have always known. The wooden propeller steamer ATLANTA was launched in 1891 at Cleveland OH. She…Read more
Milwaukeeans rescue crew and passengers of ST. ALBANS
January 30, 2026On this day January 30, 1881, Milwaukee had been experiencing a fierce snow storm but when the alarm was sounded for what was noticed off shore, hundreds came out to help. This was the day the package and passenger steamer ST. ALBANS was cut through by ice and went…Read more
The JOHN P. REISS was launched
January 29, 2026On this day, January 29, 1910, the JOHN P. REISS was launched at Lorain, Ohio. The 504 ft. long steel bulk cargo steamer was built by the American Ship Building Co. originally for John J. Barlum but sold during construction to the Wisconsin Transportation Co. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Barlum then…Read more
SHIPWRECK OF RAWLEY POINT IDENTIFIED
January 24, 2026By James Heinz On August 25, 2025 a story was posted on the WMHS blog about an unidentified shipwreck on the bottom of Lake Michigan at Rawley Point, north of Manitowoc, Wis. https://wmhs.org/rawley-point-from-the-air-wreck-three/ I asked our readers to help identify the wreck and once again, state underwater archeologist Tamara Thomsen…Read more
EDGAR B. SPEER arrives at Fincantieri
January 21, 2026Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V EDGER B. SPEER pivoted at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay, then with the assistance of tugs NICKELENA and ERIKA KOBASIC, the vessel backed up the Bay to the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding yard on afternoon Sunday, January 18th. The M/V EDGER…Read more
The CHICORA sailed out of Milwaukee
January 21, 2026On this day, January 21, 1895, the CHICORA sailed out of Milwaukee at 5:45 am for St. Joseph, Michigan, and was never seen again. What started as just another day, docked at Shea’s Dock in Milwaukee, being loaded with merchandise, flour, paper, etc., changed drastically thanks to a 45 mph…Read more
STEWART J. CORT arrives in Milwaukee
January 20, 2026The STEWART J. CORT arrived this frosty day in Milwaukee for layup. We thank Greg Stamatelakys for sending these great photos taken by Captain Max Morgan of the NEESKAY. The CORT was the first 1000-foot vessel on the Great Lakes when she entered service for Bethlehem Steel Corporation in 1972. …Read more
Long Ships Passing – Unloading Limestone
January 14, 2026By Chris Winters The JOHN G. MUNSON unloads a cargo of limestone into the hopper at Buffington Harbor, Indiana, December 2015. --------- The steel JOHN G. MUNSON was built in 1952 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by the Manitowoc Ship Building Co. for the Bradley Transportation Line a division of US Steel. …Read more
JAMES R. BARKER arrives at Fincantieri
January 8, 2026Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V JAMES R. BARKER arrived Monday morning January 5th, at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, after an icy battle on the bay of Green Bay the previous night. The BARKER was assisted up Sturgeon Bay by the tugs DONALD J.…Read more
Long Ships Passing – Hibbtac Pellets
January 6, 2026By Chris Winters The EDWARD L. RYERSON passes Montreal, Quebec, downbound, with a load of Hibbtac pellets for export, October 2007. ----------- The EDWARD L. RYERSON was built in 1960 at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co. for Inland Steel. She measured 730 x 75 x 39 and was built…Read more
The KAMLOOPS was last seen heading along the high cliffs of Isle Royale
January 5, 2026On this day December 6, 1927, the canaller KAMLOOPS was last seen heading along the high cliffs of Isle Royale by the freighter QUEDOC during a blinding snowstorm. She was heavily coated with ice and about a quarter of a mile behind the QUEDOC. The QUEDOC barely avoided running…Read more
