MSRA announced the discovery on March 23, disclosing that the ship was found in June 2023 using side-scan sonar. The discovery team spent the following months filming the wreckage using a remote operated vehicle (ROV) and confirming the ship’s identity.  

On July 9, 1886, the Milwaukee was headed to Muskegon from Chicago after unloading a cargo of lumber. Around the same time, the C. Hickox was on its way to Chicago, carrying a full load of lumber. The two ships were sailing a nearly exact course and around midnight the vessels collided in heavy fog. The Hickox struck the side of the Milwaukee, causing heavy damage and nearly capsizing the ship. Everyone aboard the Milwaukee was able to safely make it aboard the Hickox before the ship sank.

The researchers were able to determine the wreck’s identity because of the damage to the ship’s portside, which was consistent with the damage caused by the Hickox. 

MSRA said the discovery of the Milwaukee is the 19th shipwreck the team has found off the shores of West Michigan.