Archaeological Investigations
The Muskegon (Peerless) is a relatively intact upright vessel with over 100 feet of exposed hull and numerous identifiable features which include the ship's lower hull and steel arch, twin massive boilers, steam engine, drive shaft, three bladed propeller, and other assorted 19th century ship components. The Muskegon (Peerless) was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places largely due to its representation of late 19th and early 20th century Great Lakes Naval technology and architecture, as well as the presence of artifacts and material information within its collapsed through largely intact, structure.
During an assessment in 2000, Indiana University researchers recorded the new presence of a 24’’ intrusive, modern pipeline that crossed the hull of the Muskegon (Peerless) north of the engine and two boilers, along the port of the ship’s keel. The Muskegon’s features remain considerably intact, however around 90% of the ship’s iron components are covered with the water’s invasive Zebra mussels.
