The remains of the Little Harbor Launch wreck are located near the Town of Sevastopol, Wisconsin in Green Bay. The location is restricted. Likely built sometime between 1890 and 1930, and measuring 29.5 feet in length, the Little Harbor Launch represents a class of vessel, the gasoline launch, that transported fisherfolk, hunters, freight, workers, vacationers, and more throughout the peninsula region.

Little historical documentation exists on launch construction and operation. Much of our understanding of this type of vessel comes from the archaeological record. This type of vessel was constructed regionally between approximately 1890 and 1950. 1890 to 1930 – reflects the period during which the gasoline launch was most abundantly used in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Circa 1910 is a significant date for this nomination since this date is indicative of the height of gasoline launch production and use in Door County and the state of Wisconsin.

Additional opportunities remain for future archaeological research on the Little Harbor Launch. Further research will increase understanding of this once ubiquitous Great Lakes vessel type. While the gasoline launch was a common vessel type, launches varied in size and design amongst designers and boat building companies. No comparative archaeological work on launches has been conducted in the Great Lakes to examine how these vessels were constructed, the differences in hull lines and designs, and the adaptations for use and size between and amongst builders and different industries. As the only documented launch in Wisconsin waters, data gathered on the Little Harbor Launch has already added to understanding of this Great Lakes vessel type. Due to the high level of hull integrity, the Little Harbor Launch has vast potential to yield further information through future archaeological investigations.

State and federal laws protect this shipwreck. Divers may not remove artifacts or structure when visiting this site. Removing, defacing, displacing, or destroying artifacts or sites is a crime. More information on Wisconsin’s historic shipwrecks may be found by visiting Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Shipwrecks website.

Wisconsin Shipwrecks