A milestone in landmark protection for shipwrecks belongs to Door County. The Wisconsin Historical Society announced this week that the Frank D. Barker is the 100th shipwreck designated on the State Register of Historic Places.

The designation comes more than a year after business owner Matt Olson discovered the nearly 160-year-old vessel while scouting locations in Rowleys Bay for his customers. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the New York-built Frank D. Barker was launched in 1867 and sank 20 years later after running aground on a foggy night while on its way to Escanaba, Michigan, to collect a load of iron ore. Crews returned to try to salvage the vessel in 1887 and 1888, but those efforts came up empty.

The Frank D. Barker is the second shipwreck Olson has helped discover. He also helped find the scow schooner Sunshine, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.

“It’s an incredible feeling to come across a shipwreck of this size and in such great condition, especially knowing how long it went undetected,” Olson said in 2025. “I am honored to play a role in bringing this history to light so folks can better understand Wisconsin’s maritime history.”

Ruth and Hartley Barker Director and Wisconsin Historical Society CEO Christian Overland called the milestone a great example of the organization’s commitment to sharing and preserving Great Lakes history.

“Today is an exciting day for the diligent and hardworking maritime archaeologists and many other staff members whose efforts made the 100th shipwreck listing on the State Register of Historic Places possible.”

With its placement on the State Register of Historic Places, the Frank D. Barker is now eligible for consideration for the National Register of Historic Places.