Shipwreck from 1890 Emerges on New Jersey Beach

Parts of the 98.2-foot schooner Lawrence N. McKenzie uncovered at Island Beach State Park after severe erosion.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A nearly 136-year-old shipwreck has washed ashore on a Jersey Shore beach following weeks of beach erosion caused by rough surf, persistent winds, and waves. Parts of the 98.2-foot schooner, The Lawrence N. McKenzie, which was built in 1883 and wrecked in 1890 while carrying a cargo of oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City, have been uncovered at Island Beach State Park.

Why it matters

The uncovering of this historic shipwreck provides a rare glimpse into New Jersey's maritime history and the perils faced by 19th-century seafarers. It also highlights the ongoing impact of coastal erosion on archaeological sites and the importance of preserving these cultural resources.

The details

The Lawrence N. McKenzie was a 19th-century schooner that was lost in 1890 while transporting a cargo of oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City. All eight crewmembers on board survived the wreck, but the vessel was declared a total loss. Now, more than a century later, parts of the boat have reappeared in New Jersey due to severe beach erosion during the winter months.

  • The Lawrence N. McKenzie was built in 1883 in Essex, Massachusetts.
  • The schooner wrecked on March 21, 1890 while traveling from Puerto Rico to New York City.
  • The shipwreck remains were uncovered at Island Beach State Park in January 2026.

The players

The Lawrence N. McKenzie

A 98.2-foot schooner built in 1883 that was lost in a wreck in 1890 while transporting a cargo of oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City.

Island Beach State Park

A New Jersey state park where the remains of the 1890 shipwreck were uncovered due to severe beach erosion.

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What’s next

State park officials are monitoring the area where the schooner was uncovered and are reminding visitors not to disturb the historic artifacts and cultural resources, as doing so could result in summonses from the New Jersey State Park Police.

The takeaway

The uncovering of this 136-year-old shipwreck on a New Jersey beach serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of our coastal environments and the importance of preserving our maritime heritage. This discovery provides a rare opportunity to learn more about 19th-century seafaring and the challenges faced by those who traveled the seas during that era.