Lost California Treasure
SHIPWRECK Protected / Restricted

Wreck of the Frolic

The Frolic was a fast Baltimore clipper ship engaged in the illicit opium trade between China and California. In July 1850, carrying a cargo of Chinese silks, porcelain, and household goods, she ran aground on the rocks just north of Mendocino. The wreck is famous because its.

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Wreck of the Frolic
Historical documentation reference for Wreck of the Frolic in Point Cabrillo, Mendocino County.

AI Summary & Quick Facts

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  • Target Name: Wreck of the Frolic
  • Registry Category: shipwreck
  • Geographic Location: Point Cabrillo, Mendocino County (Coordinates: 39.35610, -123.82640)
  • Land Status: State Park (Restricted) (Classified as Protected / Restricted)
  • Primary Historic Source: Mendocino County Museum - The Frolic Exhibit
  • Search & Usefulness Rating: Score 62/100 (Field Readiness: Archive / View Only)
  • Summary Overview: The Frolic was a fast Baltimore clipper ship engaged in the illicit opium trade between China and California. In July 1850, carrying a cargo of Chinese silks, porcelain, and household goods, she ran.

Historical Overview

The Frolic was a fast Baltimore clipper ship engaged in the illicit opium trade between China and California. In July 1850, carrying a cargo of Chinese silks, porcelain, and household goods, she ran aground on the rocks just north of Mendocino. The wreck is famous because its salvage attempt led to the discovery of the giant redwood forests of Mendocino, sparking the local lumber boom. The wreck lies in shallow water and is a designated archaeological reserve.

Field Search & Recovery Tips

Diving is permitted around Point Cabrillo Reserve, but it is illegal to touch, move, or salvage any materials from the shipwreck. The Mendocino County Museum houses many of the recovered Chinese artifacts.

Field Action Checklist

1
Use the source link, public overlooks, museum records, or agency pages; do not disturb the ground or wreck site.
2
Record photos, bearings, and public interpretation notes instead of collecting objects.
3
Contact the managing agency before any research that goes beyond viewing or documentation.
4
Check tides, swell, marine protected areas, and vessel traffic before any shoreline or water visit.

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Research Dossier
62
Usefulness Rating Medium Potential
Land Status Designation Protected / Restricted

State Park (Restricted)

Field Readiness Mode Archive / View Only
Research Coordinates
39.35610, -123.82640
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Legal & Permit Review

REQUIRED California State Lands Shipwreck Info Check California submerged-land and shipwreck restrictions before diving, probing, or salvage activity. ↗ REQUIRED California State Parks Detector Rule Verify state-park detector and cultural-resource restrictions before bringing equipment. ↗ RECOMMENDED California State Lands Confirm whether tidelands, submerged lands, or navigable waterways are involved. ↗ RECOMMENDED NOAA Tide Predictions Check tide windows before shoreline, surf-zone, or intertidal observation. ↗ CONTEXT NOAA ENC Direct Compare charted wreck or obstruction context against current NOAA navigation data. ↗

Recommended Outfitting

Snorkeling Mask Underwater Camera Dive Flag
Reference Work Citation

Mendocino County Museum - The Frolic Exhibit

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