136-Year-Old Shipwreck Unveiled by Erosion at Island Beach State Park

A 136-year-old shipwreck has appeared at Island Beach State Park. Weeks of erosion stripped away sand and sediment, revealing what lay hidden beneath. Rough surf and wind caused the exposure, officials announced Thursday.

The Lawrence N. McKenzie was a 98.2-foot schooner that wrecked on March 21, 1890. It had been sailing from Puerto Rico to New York City, carrying oranges.

All eight crew members survived. The vessel was built in 1883 with a homeport of Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Park officials shared the news through a post on Jan. 22. Persistent wave action had worn away layers of sediment, pushing remnants of the ship onto the sand.

"Beach erosion during the winter months is common at Island Beach State Park and is part of a natural, cyclical process," state park officials said, per Patch. "Each year, high-energy waves and seasonal storms remove sand from the shoreline, resulting in narrower beaches and steeper profiles. Most beaches recover from the erosion during the calmer summer months — but for now, this winter's erosion has revealed a glimpse into the park's maritime history."

Winter storms pull sand away from the shoreline each year. Beaches become narrower. Profiles grow steeper. When summer arrives and conditions settle, most beaches regain what they lost.

Staff members are monitoring the area where the wreckage surfaced. Visitors must respect what they see and keep their hands off any pieces.

Touching or removing artifacts is prohibited, and violations are subject to summonses issued by the New Jersey State Park Police. The restrictions apply to all resources within New Jersey's state parks.

The discovery opens a window into maritime history. This wreck stayed buried beneath the sand for more than a century before winter conditions exposed it.