Shipwreck Archeology

Shipwreck Archeology. The Mystery of "Unknown 5 and 6". , Of the estimated 1,500 shipwrecks in Lake Michigan, there are 14() within Indiana waters. Two lie offshore of Gary. They are identified only as "Unknown 5" and "Unknown 6.", "Unknown 5 and 6" have been identified by archeologists as barges used for cargo transport, but where they were built, or when they sank, remains a mystery. (As of 2021, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources), Shipwrecks and the Law , Historic shipwrecks are fragile and rare cultural resources protected by federal and state laws. It is unlawful to remove, disturb, salvage, or destroy an "abandoned shipwreck" within a navigable waterway, without a license., [captions:] , In 2020 this large structural timber washed ashore in Marquette Park. , Could it be from one of these sunken vessels? , The timber was moved from the beach to this location so visitors can puzzle over its origin and to protect it from sand and fire., Archeologists, like these at shipwreck "Unknown 3" near Pines, Indiana, study the size and layout of the vessel to learn about the history of nautical design and materials, as well as regional industry and trade. The wreck was buried by sand in 2011. , Photo: Milwaukee Public Library , The cold, fresh water of Lake Michigan preserves underwater vessels for decades. The forces of nature: wind, waves and sand, however, take their toll, often scattering debris far from the original site. , Underwater debris from "Unknown 5." , Photo: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Underwater archeologist mapping a shipwreck. , Photo: Viv Hamilton