On this date in Minnesota History: June 2

June 2, 1891 – “The May Flower was a Great Lakes wooden schooner and the first shipwreck of this type documents in Minnesota’s portion of Lake Superior. Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., the ship wrecked on [this date] while transporting sandstone blocks from Portage, Mich., to Duluth. She capsized in heavy seas just four miles from the harbor entrance. As a two-masted scow schooner, the ship could sail on her own, but the available historical records all indicate that she was towed by another steam-powered vessel.

Investigations have revealed that the May Flower has construction features that differentiate her from the few scows known from the lower Great Lakes; rather, her features are similar to scows used in New Zealand. The remains were discovered in 1991 and retain significant archeological integrity, providing a wealth of information on the construction and use of scow schooners not only on Lake Superior, but throughout the Great Lakes as well.”

http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/split-rock-lighthouse/minnesota-shipwrecks

 

Wreckage of the May Flower

http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/split-rock-lighthouse/minnesota-shipwrecks

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

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