The following article was submitted by Kaitlin Piazza, the Business and Housing Development Planner for the City of Manitowoc as a part of the Rahr-West Art Museum’s Art Forward series.
The development of Manitowoc, and more specifically its storied maritime history, is deeply intertwined with Lake Michigan. Historically, the lake not only provided resources for the people who called it home but served as a critical piece of America’s westward expansion. The development of the lake as a transportation route in the early 19th century through the early 20th century means that it has seen countless ships of all shapes and sizes, hauling everything from agricultural goods to cars in later years.
Today that legacy endures and an appreciation for Lake Michigan’s natural beauty and maritime cultural heritage grows, expanding opportunities for both recreational and educational activities. This long-standing relationship and history have led to the designation of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, a collaborative effort to preserve and protect the many ships that didn’t reach their final destination along the coastline.
A photomosaic of the schooner Home, made by stitching hundreds of individual images together. Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
The effort to designate the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (WSCNMS) project began back in 2014 and through the work of NOAA, the State of Wisconsin, and numerous local partners was made official in August of 2021. The newly designated, 962-square-mile area along the western coast of Lake Michigan encompasses the historic ports of Two Rivers, Sheboygan, Port Washington and (of course) Manitowoc.
Within the WSCNMS are 36 documented shipwrecks of national significance with another 60 believed to be undiscovered. Among the treasures within the sanctuary is the oldest known shipwreck in Wisconsin, the Gallinipper which dates back to 1833 as well as four vessels that still have standing masts. Some of the vessels still contain their cargo, perhaps the most unique being 264 Nash automobiles, manufactured in Kenosha, WI circa 1929 (or maybe it’s the Christmas trees?)
Nationally, the designation of this area affords the opportunity to further study the development and eventual settlement of the west through a maritime lens. Moreover, through the WSCNMS researchers will have the opportunity to explore and better understand the early economy and cultural practices that developed along Lake Michigan.
Locally, the designation affords Manitowoc and its neighbor’s an opportunity to bring our communities onto the national stage as a truly unique recreational and tourism destination for diving, boating and more. Additionally, the Maritime Museum will be working to incorporate the WSCNMS into exhibits that amplify the mission of the sanctuary. Moreover, they will play an important role in the curation and conservation of artifacts allowing both visitors and residents to develop an even deeper appreciation for our maritime heritage.
Originally built as the Nancy Dousman in 1832, the schooner Gallinipper is Wisconsin’s oldest shipwreck discovered to date. Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
The City of Manitowoc is incredibly proud to be a partner in protecting one of only 15 National Marine Sanctuaries and being included among the likes of Monterey Bay California, Washington’s Olympic Coast and the Hawaiian Islands.
To find out more about the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast and other National Marine Sanctuaries you can follow NOAA on social media with #earthisblue or if you want to get out and explore you can download the National Park Trust PARKPASSPORT.
