Sweden (Pre-1845)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Sweden
• Type: Scow Schooner
• Year Built: Before 1845 (exact year unknown)
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Buffalo, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Scow Schooner – A flat-bottomed, wide-beamed sailing vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes for hauling bulk cargo.

Description

Hull Material: Wood
Number of Decks: 1

History

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.

Significant Incidents

• 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.
• 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.

Final Disposition

The Sweden sank in Buffalo Harbour in 1845, though the specific details regarding the cause of loss (e.g., storm, collision, structural failure) are not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Details regarding the current condition of the wreck are not available, but it is confirmed to be located in Buffalo, New York.

Resources & Links

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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.