Above: Scale Model of the Baltimore Clipper “Frolic” built and rigged by Steven Prochter. Sails made by Claudia Prochter. Model based on design by Ben Lankford 1994. 2012-03-01 Mendocino County Museum.
In 1984, an archeological excavation of a Pomo village site near Fort Bragg deemed, Three Chop Village, revealed pieces of China and green glass flaked into projectile points. The findings of these materials were not anticipated at the village site and sparked curiosity.
Right: Beads, Tortoise Shell Fragment (comb?) and ceramics encapsulated in plastic FR20-01/08 Mendocino County Museum Collection.
Lead archeologist, Thomas Layton, dedicated himself to uncovering the mystery behind the discovery. Years of research and local interviews helped connect the materials found at Three Chop Village to the story of the Brigg Frolic, a Baltimore Clipper bound for San Francisco in 1850, loaded with valuable Chinese goods. The ship wrecked off the coast of Mendocino and cargo washed ashore gaining the interest of the Mitom Pomo.
News of the wreck attracted entrepreneur Henry Meiggs, who dispatched a salvage party. Upon reaching the wreck site, the salvage crew discovered a more valuable resource, giant virgin redwoods. California's logging industry rapidly expanded after the 1850 Shipwreck of the brig Frolic.
The California State Lands Commission designated the Mendocino County museum as stewards of the Frolic Shipwreck excavation the museum houses associated collections as well.
This presentation was created by the Mendocino County Museum. View more Collection Spotlights and learn more about our institution by visiting www.mendocinocounty.org/museum.