Carl Olof Cronstedt (1756–1820)

Carl Olof Cronstedt was the last commandant of Sveaborg during the Swedish period. He is particularly remembered for his role in the surrender of Sveaborg in the Finnish War.

Already at the tender age of 8, Cronstedt volunteered at the fortress. He graduated as an artillery officer, moved abroad to study, and returned to Sveaborg in 1779. Some time later, he worked as the commander of the Sveaborg squadron and as naval minister, but soon fell from the grace of King Gustav IV Adolf. In 1801, Cronstedt returned to Sveaborg and was appointed the commandant of the fortress.

In 1808, Russia invaded Finland and surrounded the Sveaborg fortress. After various negotiations, Sveaborg surrendered. Commandant Cronstedt, who as the siege continued was convinced that any resistance would be futile, was responsible. These events have caused a lot of controversy ever since, but it is still difficult to outline one decisive reason for surrendering. Cronstedt himself was certain that time would prove his judgement to be correct.

Before Cronstedt’s name was tainted with the surrender of Sveaborg, he had gained a reputation as a Swedish war hero. In a war under Gustav III, Cronstedt had led the Swedish navy to victory at the naval battle of Svensksund, which saved the country from defeat in the war. However, only a few remember this when considering Cronstedt’s reputation.

When the Russians took over Sveaborg, Cronstedt moved to the Mäkkylä estate with his family and received a pension from Russian emperor Alexander I for the rest of his life. The Swedish court condemned Cronstedt to death, but Alexander I abolished the sentence, invoking the peace treaty. Cronstedt died in 1820, having for a long time lived quietly, avoiding the public eye.