Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Stowell

Type: Wooden Schooner

Year Built: Exact year unknown, prior to 1862

Owner: Amasa Stowell

Construction: Wooden, single-Deck vessel

Lost: October 1862

Location: Near Sodus, New York, Lake Ontario

Depth: Not documented

Coordinates: Not provided

Vessel Type Description

The Stowell was a wooden Schooner typical of the 19th century, used extensively on the Great Lakes for the transportation of bulk cargo, such as coal, wheat, and other goods. Its sturdy wooden construction and sail-powered design made it suitable for navigating the often harsh and unpredictable waters of Lake Ontario. However, the vessel was not immune to the dangers of the lake, as evidenced by its ultimate demise.

History

The Schooner Stowell had an active career transporting goods across Lake Ontario. It was owned by Amasa Stowell, who likely named the vessel after himself.

Key Incidents:

•April 1862:

The Schooner ran aground near Toronto, Ontario, while carrying a cargo of coal. While the grounding did not immediately result in the vessel’s loss, it likely caused damage that may have contributed to its vulnerability in subsequent voyages.

•October 1862:

The Stowell was transporting a cargo of wheat when it met its final disaster near Sodus, New York. The specific details of the incident are unclear, but it is believed that adverse weather conditions or navigational challenges led to the Schooner’s sinking. The loss resulted in the destruction of both the vessel and its valuable cargo.

The Stowell was declared a Total Loss following the October 1862 incident.

Final Disposition

The Stowell sank near Sodus, New York, on Lake Ontario in October 1862. The precise cause of the sinking remains undocumented, and the wreck’s exact location has not been identified. The vessel, along with its cargo of wheat, was a complete loss.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories concerning the wreck of the Stowell, as it has likely disintegrated over time and poses no navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The wreckage of the Stowell has not been discovered, and its location remains undocumented. The lack of detailed records and the significant time elapsed since its sinking have likely contributed to the absence of recovery efforts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Stowell, if any, are presumed to be scattered or buried on the lakebed near Sodus, New York. The absence of documentation about the wreck makes it inaccessible for divers or researchers.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical records of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed accounts of maritime casualties in the Great Lakes region.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive resource for historical research.

•Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (Jan. 26, 1863): Casualty lists from 1862, including the Stowell.

Keywords

Stowell, Schooner, Sodus, Lake Ontario, Great Lakes shipwrecks, wooden vessel, wheat cargo, maritime history, Amasa Stowell, 19th-century shipwreck.

Analysis

The Stowell’s loss in 1862 is a reminder of the hazards faced by schooners on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and navigational challenges often led to tragedy. Despite its earlier grounding incident in Toronto, the Schooner continued to operate until its final voyage, reflecting the resilience and necessity of such vessels in the regional economy. The Stowell’s story, like many of its contemporaries, illustrates the risks and hardships of maritime commerce in the mid-19th century.