The shipwrecks in Lake Michigan preserve a legacy of exploration and commerce that led to the prosperity and expansion of our nation. They represent the deep-rooted connections among communities of the Great Lakes and an entrepreneurial spirit of generations of Americans.

The proposed Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary possesses exceptional historic, archaeological, and recreational value, including two of Wisconsin’s oldest wrecks to date as well as shipwrecks in rare condition with several almost completely intact preserved due to its icy cold clean waters.

One of the most well known of these lost vessels is the Rouse Simmons – the Christmas Tree Ship. Captained by Herman Scheunemann, the Christmas Tree Ship traveled north every year to collect pine trees from Michigan and delivered them to Chicago residents. Captain Scheunemann donated a portion of his trees to families who were unable to purchase them, earning him the moniker “Captain Santa.” Tragically, in November of 1912, the Rouse Simmons sank with all hands in a violent winter storm off the coast of Wisconsin. This shipwreck and others deserve national recognition and protection through the national marine sanctuary program.

From its inception as a community-submitted nomination by the State of Wisconsin in 2014, local leaders supported the need to conserve and celebrate this nationally-significant collection of shipwrecks, to connect children to Great Lakes history and science education, and to support tourism and promote jobs in their communities.

Urge the new Administration to designate the proposed Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary so this site can receive the national recognition it deserves.