Shipwreck Report: Scow Schooner Sweden (pre-1845)

Identification & Vessel Information

• Name: Sweden
• Year Built: Before 1845 (exact year unknown)
• Vessel Type: Scow Schooner A flat-bottomed, wide-beamed sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for hauling bulk cargo.
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Final Disposition Final Location: Buffalo, New York
• Incident Date: 1845
• Cause of Loss: The Sweden sank in Buffalo Harbour, though the specific details (e.g., storm, collision, structural failure) are not documented.

Scow Schooners on the Great Lakes

Role: Scow schooners were essential in the early maritime economy of the Great Lakes, transporting timber, grain, coal, and other bulk cargo.

Design: Flat-bottomed hulls made scows ideal for navigating shallow harbours and rivers, but they were less seaworthy in rough conditions. Known for being economical but less durable than traditionally-built schooners.

Historical Context

• 1. Buffalo’s Role: During the 1840s, Buffalo, NY, was a key shipping hub for the Great Lakes, serving as a major transfer point for cargo bound for the Erie Canal and destinations along the eastern seaboard.  The sinking of the Sweden would have been a common hazard in the bustling port, which often saw accidents due to congestion and challenging weather.
• 2. Scow Schooner Era:  Scows like the Sweden were some of the earliest workhorses of the Great Lakes, built to handle cargo cheaply and efficiently.  Many were built in small local Shipyards and operated by regional owners, often without extensive records being kept.

Legacy

Although details about the Sweden are sparse, it represents the pioneering days of Great Lakes commerce, where scow schooners helped lay the groundwork for the region’s maritime trade network. Its loss in Buffalo Harbour is a reminder of the perils faced by early mariners on the lakes.

Further Research Opportunities

• Buffalo History Museum
•  Buffalo Maritime Center may have additional documentation or artifacts related to early shipwrecks in the harbour.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes:  Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Search for additional mentions of the Sweden or similar vessels.
• C. Patrick Labadie Collection: This collection is known for its extensive documentation of Great Lakes vessels, and further details about the Sweden may be found in these archives.
• • Possible contact through institutions like the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.