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The short version

  • A powerful nor’easter has eroded sand on Nantucket’s Point of Breakers beach, revealing wooden debris with iron fastenings.
  • Archaeologists believe the wreckage likely belongs to the Warren Sawyer, a three-masted schooner that wrecked in December 1884.
  • The ship’s crew was rescued by local lifesavers, and residents salvaged much of the cotton cargo before the vessel was destroyed.

A severe nor’easter battering the East Coast has stripped away sand along Nantucket’s southern shoreline, potentially exposing artifacts from a maritime disaster that occurred more than 140 years ago. On September 26, local resident David DeHart identified a cluster of wooden beams secured with iron fastenings on Point of Breakers beach. The discovery follows similar findings in December 2022 and February 2023, when storm activity previously revealed portions of the same site.

Jason Graziadei, editor in chief of the Nantucket Current, verified the debris after receiving a tip from DeHart. He documented the scene with photographs and video, which were subsequently reviewed by David Robinson, director and chief archaeologist for the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. Experts concluded that the newly unearthed materials most likely originate from the Warren Sawyer, a three-masted cargo schooner.

News Journal

The Warren Sawyer met its end on the evening of December 22, 1884, when gale-force winds drove it onto Miacomet Beach near Nantucket. The vessel was en route from New Orleans to Boston, carrying a substantial load of 1,115 bales of cotton and 28 tons of scrap metal. As the ship struck the shore around 11 p.m., rescuers stationed at the nearby Surfside Lifesaving Station intervened, successfully saving Captain Edwin L. Saunders and all seven members of his crew.

Following the wreck, island residents engaged in extensive salvage operations. Historical records indicate that locals recovered at least 700 bales of cotton before waves ultimately dismantled the remaining structure of the ship. The salvaged goods, including sails, rigging, and other equipment, were auctioned off on January 20, 1885, generating approximately $600 in proceeds. Those involved in the rescue and salvage efforts received compensation, with wreckers awarded daily wages and cotton salvagers entitled to a 55 percent share of the recovered value.

While the location and physical characteristics of the debris strongly suggest a connection to the Warren Sawyer, archaeologists maintain a degree of caution. It remains possible that the materials could belong to a different vessel, given the complex history of shipwrecks in the region. However, the consistency of the site with previous discoveries lends weight to the current identification. The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources has previously assessed similar finds at this location as likely originating from the 1884 wreck.

The exposure of these historical remnants underscores the dynamic nature of coastal environments and their role in preserving or revealing history. Jascin N. Leonardo Finger, deputy director of the Maria Mitchell Association, noted that such discoveries serve as a tangible reminder of life on an island situated 28 miles from the mainland. The event highlights how natural forces can abruptly shift public access to historical artifacts, bringing buried narratives into the open.

Graziadei observed that the site’s proximity to modern activity is striking, noting that vehicles had driven over the same stretch of beach during the summer months. This juxtaposition of contemporary life and historical preservation illustrates the layered nature of Nantucket’s landscape. The discovery has sparked interest in the island’s maritime heritage, connecting current residents and visitors with events from the late 19th century.

Moving forward, officials plan to collaborate on definitive identification efforts. Representatives from the Egan Maritime Institute and the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources will work together to analyze the wreckage further. This partnership aims to confirm the origin of the debris and assess its condition, ensuring that any historical significance is properly documented and preserved for future study.

The incident also draws parallels to other recent maritime discoveries linked to storm activity. Earlier this year, Storm Chandra was credited with exposing parts of the Fame, a 17th-century ship that sank off southern England in 1631. These events collectively demonstrate how extreme weather can act as an unintended agent of archaeological discovery, uncovering pieces of history that had long been hidden beneath sand and sediment.

As the nor’easter continues to impact the region, the exposed wreckage remains a focal point for both scientific inquiry and public interest. The careful handling of the site will be crucial in determining whether additional artifacts can be recovered without causing damage. For now, the wooden beams stand as a silent testament to the perils of 19th-century sea travel and the resilience of those who navigated them.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗In 1884, Gale-Force Winds Ran a Ship Aground Near Cape Cod. Now, the Nor’easter Lashing the East Coast May Have Uncovered Part of It