SECTION I – BASICS Nomination Title: Lake Michigan - Wisconsin National Marine Sanctuary Nominator Names(s) and Affiliations(s): The Governor of Wisconsin on behalf of the State of Wisconsin; the Cities of Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Port Washington; and Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee Counties. Nomination Point of Contact: John Broihahn, State Archeologist, Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State Street, Madison, WI 53706, (608) 264-6496,
[email protected] SECTION II – INTRODUCTION Narrative Description The proposed Wisconsin sanctuary encompasses a key portion of an early transportation corridor that was critical to the expansion of the United States and the development of the agricultural and the industrial core of the Nation. The corridor is marked by 34 known shipwrecks, 122 reported vessel losses, numerous other historic maritime-related features, and communities that have embraced their centuries-long relationship with Lake Michigan. The historic shipwrecks are representative of the vessels that sailed and steamed this corridor, carrying grain and raw materials east as other vessels came west loaded with coal. Many of the shipwrecks retain an unusual degree of architectural integrity, with 14 vessels that are intact. The human history of the lake is intimately intertwined with the natural history. The people living along its shore are and have been influenced by the lake as their activities influenced the character of the lake and its drainage basin. The settlers, along with long-time Native residents, built the industries, harvested the timber, and farmed the fertile soils to create America’s heartland. Figure 1. Sheboygan’s Harbor Centre The presence of strong ship building and fishing Marina and adjacent beach.