19th-Century Shipwreck Lawrence N. McKenzie Resurfaces on Jersey Shore
ISLAND BEACH, N.J. — The wooden remains of the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a 19th-century schooner, have unexpectedly emerged from the sands of Island Beach State Park along New Jersey’s Jersey Shore. The vessel, which sank in 1890 carrying a cargo of oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City, was recently uncovered due to shifting sand levels caused by rough surf and heavy winter winds, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Built in 1883 and measuring 98.2 feet in length, the Lawrence N. McKenzie was en route from Puerto Rico when it wrecked off the coast of Ocean County on March 21, 1890. Despite the ship’s sinking, all eight crew members survived the incident, which left the schooner and its entire cargo swallowed by the sea. Its homeport was Provincetown, Massachusetts, a hub of maritime activity during the late 19th century.
The recent exposure of the shipwreck is not the result of debris washing ashore but rather the natural shifting of sand over time, accelerated by the recent rough surf and strong winds. Island Beach State Park officials posted images and details of the wreck on their official Facebook page on January 22, highlighting the historical significance of the find and cautioning visitors against disturbing the fragile remains.
Experts warn that interference with the site could damage an important piece of maritime history. The National Park Service’s Underwater Archaeology program emphasizes the importance of preserving shipwrecks in situ to protect their archaeological integrity and to allow for future scientific study. Disturbing such sites can lead to irreversible loss of historical artifacts and context.
Island Beach State Park is a protected natural area managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, known for its unique barrier island ecosystem and recreational opportunities. The park’s management urges the public to respect the site and report any unauthorized removal or disturbance of artifacts to authorities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also plays a role in safeguarding coastal and marine environments where such historic wrecks are found.
The Lawrence N. McKenzie’s reappearance offers a rare glimpse into maritime commerce and shipbuilding techniques of the late 1800s, a period when schooners were vital for transporting goods along the Atlantic coast. The discovery draws parallels to other notable shipwrecks recently uncovered or studied, such as the world’s largest medieval cog ship found off Denmark, which has provided invaluable insights into maritime history and archaeology.
As winter storms continue to shape coastal landscapes, it is possible that other submerged historic vessels may resurface, providing opportunities for study but also requiring careful stewardship. Visitors to Island Beach State Park are reminded to admire the wreck from a distance and to respect the laws protecting cultural heritage sites. For more information on maritime preservation and guidelines on interacting with shipwrecks, the public can consult resources provided by the National Park Service and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
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