Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA has designated Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary  – our nation's 15th and newest national marine sanctuary. The 962 square-mile area  protects 36 shipwrecks that possess exceptional historic, archaeological, and recreational value. Co-managed with the state of Wisconsin, the sanctuary expands on the state's 30 years of stewardship of these historic sites. The sanctuary will also bring new opportunities for research, resource protection, educational programming, and community engagement. In partnership with local communities, the sanctuary will provide a national stage for promoting heritage tourism and recreation.

Map of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary boundary

Map of boundaries for Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Credit: NOAA

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B-Roll video

Credit: NOAA, Underwater: Eric Poggemann

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Northerner shipwreck

Built in 1851, the well-preserved schooner Northerner lies in 130 feet of water.

Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society

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A diver swims over the two masted schooner, Walter B. Allen

An exciting recreational opportunity, a diver swims over the two masted schooner Walter B. Allen, sunk in 1880.

Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society

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shipwreck schooner, Home

Built in 1843 the schooner Home, is one of the oldest shipwrecks discovered in Wisconsin.

Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society

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mosaic was created of the schooner, Home

A photomosaic of the schooner Home, made by stitching hundreds of individual images together.

Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society

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shipweack vernon

Lake Michigan's cold, fresh water has kept the steamer Vernon and much of its cargo virtually intact since it's sinking in 1887 with the loss of 48 lives.

Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society

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shipwreck Rouse Simmons

Bound for Chicago with a hold full of Christmas Trees, the Rouse Simmons was lost with all hands in a November gale in 1912.

Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society

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Gallinipper shipwreck

Originally built as the Nancy Dousman in 1832, the schooner Gallinipper is Wisconsin's oldest shipwreck discovered to date.

Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society

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Gallinipper shipwreck

Trading vessels like the 95-foot long schooner Gallinipper linked Wisconsin coastal cities with distant markets in the 1830s and 1840s, fueling local and regional economies.

Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society

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mosaic of the Walter B. Allen

A photomosaic of the schooner Walter B. Allen.

Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Sea Grant, Wisconsin Historical Society

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