The discovery of the F.J. King schooner, lost in Lake Michigan in 1886, marks a major achievement in underwater archaeology. Found on June 28, 2025, nearly 140 years after it sank, the wreck offers a tangible link to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
The F.J. King, a three-masted schooner measuring 144 feet, was built in Toledo, Ohio, in 1867 and primarily transported iron ore across the Great Lakes. Its final voyage began on September 15, 1886, departing Escanaba, Michigan, for Chicago. During the trip, the vessel encountered a severe gale with waves estimated between 8 to 10 feet, which caused significant damage. Captain William Griffin ordered the crew to abandon ship, and the schooner sank bow-first around 2 a.m. The crew was later rescued by a passing schooner and brought safely to Bailey's Harbor.
For decades, the exact location of the F.J. King remained unknown, earning it the nickname "ghost ship" among maritime enthusiasts. Conflicting reports about its final resting place made discovery difficult. The recent find, led by maritime historian Brendon Baillod and the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, has now solved this long-standing mystery. The hull was found remarkably intact, a testament to the preservative qualities of Lake Michigan's cold freshwater.
The Great Lakes are estimated to contain 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks, many yet to be discovered. Each successful find contributes to our understanding of the region’s maritime history. Preservation of these underwater artifacts is increasingly threatened by invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, which attach to and erode metal components, accelerating deterioration. The presence of these mussels on the F.J. King highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting submerged cultural heritage.