In an unexpected twist of fate, a Wisconsin fisherman named Christopher Thuss recently stumbled upon a remarkable piece of maritime history while fishing in foggy conditions on Lake Michigan. Little did he know that his casual outing would lead to the rediscovery of the J.C. Ames, an abandoned tugboat that had lain submerged for over a century. This serendipitous find, confirmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society, underscores not only the mysteries hidden beneath the waters of the Great Lakes but also the critical need to preserve our maritime heritage before invasive species obliterate it.
On Tuesday, Thuss was navigating the waters off Manitowoc when he spotted the wreckage in just nine feet of water, positioned off a breakwater. According to Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the tugboat was constructed in 1881 by the Rand and Burger shipbuilding company in Manitowoc. Designed to be one of the largest and most powerful vessels on the Great Lakes, the J.C. Ames boasted a formidable 670-horsepower engine. It initially served a multifaceted role, transporting not just lumber but also railway cars, showcasing the intricate connections between different modes of transportation in that era.
However, like many vessels that outlive their usefulness, the J.C. Ames was eventually scuttled in 1923, a practice common at the time. Its demise marked the end of an era, but its story didn’t conclude there. For decades, the tugboat lay buried beneath layers of sand and sediment, largely forgotten until recent winter storms revealed its presence. The absence of quagga mussels—a notorious invasive species known for their destructive impact on submerged structures—suggests that the wreck was recently exposed, a fortunate timing for historians and archaeologists eager to document and preserve such finds.
The emergence of the J.C. Ames is not merely an archaeological curiosity; it is a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against invasive species in the Great Lakes. Over the past three decades, quagga mussels have proliferated, attaching themselves to shipwrecks and downed aircraft with a ferocity that can ultimately crush these historical artifacts under their weight. As Thomsen notes, “These kinds of discoveries are always so exciting because it allows a piece of lost history to resurface. It sat there for over a hundred years and then came back on our radar completely by chance.” This underscores the critical importance of locating and documenting these submerged wrecks before they fall prey to ecological threats.
Moreover, the story of the J.C. Ames speaks volumes about the interconnectedness of local communities and their maritime heritage. As the Wisconsin Historical Society aims to share this story, it fosters a sense of ownership among residents, rekindling interest in the rich history that defined the Great Lakes region. Such discoveries encourage communities to engage with their past, fostering a deeper appreciation for the narratives that shape their identities.
In conclusion, the rediscovery of the J.C. Ames is a testament to the serendipitous nature of history and the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species. It serves as an open invitation to both historians and the general public to explore the depths of the Great Lakes, revealing stories that lie waiting to be told. As we celebrate this find, it is crucial to remain vigilant in protecting our underwater heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to uncover the rich tapestry of our maritime past.
