The Pretoria wreck was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 because of its architectural, archeological, and historical significance. The wreck offers a wealth of data on the Pretoria's construction, use, and loss. The fact that the Pretoria was one of the longest wooden vessels ever built on the Great Lakes, if not in the world, gives it both a regional and national level of historical and architectural significance. The Pretoria also has important recreational value.

The Pretoria is located outside National Lakeshore boundaries and should be considered for inclusion in any future state bottomland preserve areas or National Marine Sanctuaries in Wisconsin's Apostle Islands.

The primary threat to the Pretoria is divers scavenging for artifacts. When artifacts are discovered, divers should leave them in place, document them, and report them to the Wisconsin State Archeologist, phone (608) 264-6495.

The infestation of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes also could endanger the Pretoria wreck, but the vessel's depth and the cold water temperature make the site rather unsuitable for these mollusks.

The Pretoria is owned by the State of Wisconsin and is managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society , with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources . Like all historic shipwrecks in Wisconsin waters, the Pretoria is protected under Wisconsin law as a state-owned archeological site.

You can get information about diving at the Pretoria site from local dive shops.

Please help us preserve this piece of our maritime heritage. If you visit the

Pretoria, please take only pictures and leave only bubbles.

Learn more about Protecting Our Heritage in the Diver's Area.