Wisconsin Nominated 100th Historic Shipwreck
The Frank D. Barker in Lake Michigan has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Historical
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The Wisconsin State Historical Society has nominated the Frank D. Barker shipwreck to the National Register of Historic Places. This vessel marks the 100th shipwreck Wisconsin has submitted for this federal designation.
Why it matters
Securing a spot on the National Register provides the shipwreck with essential federal protections against looting and physical damage. This status helps ensure the preservation of submerged maritime history in the state.
The Frank D. Barker, built by John Cantwell, measures 137 feet in length and rests under 24 feet of water in Rowleys Bay. The nomination was supported by the 16-member State Historic Preservation Review Board.
The players
Wisconsin State Historical Society
This state organization oversees the identification and preservation of historical and archaeological resources.
Matt Olson
He is the researcher who successfully located the shipwreck site using satellite imagery technology.
National Park Service
This federal agency manages the National Register of Historic Places and evaluates sites for inclusion.
State Historic Preservation Review Board
This 16-member body evaluates historical nominations for their significance and eligibility for protection.
The details
Discovered in July 2025 by Matt Olson using satellite imagery, the wreckage of the Cleveland-based vessel has now reached the formal review stage. Nominations undergo a process of state registration before moving to federal consideration by the National Park Service.
Timeline
The Frank D. Barker sank on September 30, 1887.
Matt Olson discovered the shipwreck in July 2025.
Wisconsin nominated the site to the National Register on September 25, 2026.
Culture Shift
The nomination of the Frank D. Barker represents a continuing trend of documenting and protecting Wisconsin's submerged maritime legacy. It reinforces the state's role in maintaining the National Register of Historic Places as a primary mechanism for preserving regional history.
This designation helps ensure that underwater sites remain intact for public study and archaeological research. Residents and visitors interested in maritime history gain a protected site that is now formally recognized as part of the nation's historical inventory.
The takeaway
Documenting these wrecks helps bridge the gap between archival history and modern physical discovery. The preservation of these sites ensures that future generations can understand the maritime commerce of the 19th century.
What happens next
A federal review by the National Park Service is expected to be completed within six months to one year.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's maritime heritage at the Wisconsin Historical section.
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Should local governments prioritize federal protection for submerged historical sites in your area?
