FAQs

The Tubal Cain

• Where are the remains of the Tubal Cain located today, and what is their current condition?

  Today, the remains of the Tubal Cain are located 1.33 miles northeast of the Two Rivers, Wisconsin harbor entrance, approximately 300 feet offshore, on a heading of 120 degrees. The wreck rests in 7 to 10 feet of water, lying on an even keel. Its port and starboard sides are intact up to the deck shelf, but the deck and bulwark are no longer present. The shifting sands of Rawley Point have recently exposed the vessel, contributing to its well-preserved state and lack of invasive mussel colonization. The keel and lower hull appear unbroken, suggesting the upper hull sections may still be buried in the sand.

• Who built and owned the Tubal Cain throughout its short career?

  The Tubal Cain was built by master shipwright James Monroe 'J.M.' Jones, son of the Great Lakes pioneer shipwright Augustus Jones. Upon its launch in 1866, it was owned by Noah Dibble, J.M. Jones, A. Ashley, and A. Howe. However, by early 1867, ownership had changed twice, with Byron Whitaker and Wm. Beals becoming equal owners.

• Why is the Tubal Cain considered a significant shipwreck for archaeological study?

  The Tubal Cain is significant because it represents a unique and numerically uncommon class of vessel – a barque or canaller – from early Great Lakes shipbuilding history. There is limited historical documentation on the construction and operation of these vessel types. Therefore, much of our understanding comes from archaeological data, particularly from sites like the Tubal Cain. Its site, documented by the Wisconsin Historical Society in 2015 and 2016, has already provided valuable archaeological knowledge and has the potential to yield even more as the sands uncover additional parts of the wreck in the future.