139-Year SOLVED – They Finally Found It!

The discovery of a legendary “ghost ship” in Lake Michigan ends a 139-year maritime mystery, thrilling historians and enthusiasts alike.

Story Overview

The F.J. King, a schooner lost in 1886, has been discovered near Bailey’s Harbor.
Brandon Baillod’s team used side-scan radar to locate the shipwreck.
The ship was found largely intact, despite carrying heavy iron ore when it sank.
The discovery highlights the value of citizen science in maritime archaeology.

Legendary “Ghost Ship” Found

The F.J. King, a 144-foot, three-masted schooner constructed in Toledo, Ohio, was lost to a violent storm in September 1886 while transporting iron ore. For nearly 140 years, the ship was considered a “ghost ship” due to its elusive wreck and conflicting historical accounts. Researchers, led by maritime historian Brandon Baillod, confirmed the discovery of the wreck near Bailey’s Harbor using side-scan radar. This significant find resolves a longstanding maritime mystery that had stumped searchers for decades.

The F.J. King was built specifically for the grain and iron ore trades across the Great Lakes. On September 15, 1886, the ship departed Escanaba, Michigan, heading for Chicago, but encountered a southeast gale off the Door Peninsula. After hours of battling the storm, the ship’s seams opened, leading to its sinking. The crew managed to evacuate safely and were rescued by another vessel. Despite repeated search attempts beginning in the 1970s, the exact location of the shipwreck remained a mystery until now.

Persistent Search and Discovery

Baillod, supported by the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association (WUAA) and a dedicated citizen science group, conducted the search using historical documents and accounts from local lighthouse keepers. By systematically employing side-scan radar, the team located the wreck less than half a mile from where it was historically reported. The hull’s intact state was an unexpected surprise, considering the heavy iron ore cargo it was carrying when it sank. This discovery not only provides closure to one of the Great Lakes’ most enduring shipwreck mysteries but also demonstrates the effectiveness of combining historical research with modern technology.

The discovery of the F.J. King is expected to have significant implications for the local community and maritime historians. It offers potential for increased tourism and educational opportunities in Door County, Wisconsin. Moreover, the preservation and study of this shipwreck may yield valuable insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and commerce, further enhancing our understanding of Great Lakes history.

Impact on Maritime Archaeology

This discovery underscores the value of citizen science and collaborative research efforts in maritime archaeology. The successful identification of the F.J. King showcases how persistent investigation, coupled with technological advancements, can solve historical mysteries that have puzzled experts for generations. This finding may inspire similar initiatives to locate other “ghost ships” that rest beneath the Great Lakes, fostering greater interest and investment in underwater cultural heritage preservation.

Baillod’s strategic use of historical documents and collaboration with local enthusiasts was crucial in the F.J. King’s discovery. The involvement of citizen scientists not only enriched the search process but also strengthened community ties to their local maritime heritage. As such, this discovery is a testament to the power of collective effort and innovation in preserving and understanding our historical treasures.