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Perry's Lake Erie Fleet: After the Glory

Harold Powell

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Perry's Lake Erie Fleet: After the Glory

by David Frew

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3190 KB
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Print length	:	144 pages
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Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's victory at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 was a turning point in the War of 1812. Perry's fleet of nine ships played a pivotal role in securing control of the Great Lakes and ultimately led to the American victory in the war.

After the war, Perry's fleet was decommissioned and the ships were dispersed to various locations. Some were sold into private hands, while others were used as training vessels or hulks. Over time, all of the ships met their demise, either through shipwrecks, fires, or demolition.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Perry's fleet. Archaeologists and historians have conducted extensive research on the ships and their fates. Several of the shipwrecks have been located and explored, providing valuable insights into the construction and operation of Perry's fleet.

This article provides a detailed account of the history of Perry's Lake Erie fleet after the War of 1812. It draws on the latest research to tell the fascinating story of the ships' fates, from their decommissioning to their ultimate demise.

The Ships of Perry's Fleet

Perry's Lake Erie fleet consisted of nine ships: the brigs Niagara and Lawrence, the schooners Ariel, Caledonia, Porcupine, Somers, Tigress, and Trippe, and the sloop Scorpion.

The Niagara was the flagship of Perry's fleet. She was a 20-gun brig that was built in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1813. The Lawrence was a 16-gun brig that was also built in Erie in 1813. The Ariel was a 4-gun schooner that was built in Black Rock, New York in 1813. The Caledonia was a 3-gun schooner that was built in Erie in 1813. The Porcupine was a 2-gun schooner that was built in Erie in 1813. The Somers was a 2-gun schooner that was built in Erie in 1813. The Tigress was a 1-gun schooner that was built in Erie in 1813. The Trippe was a 1-gun schooner that was built in Erie in 1813. The Scorpion was a 1-gun sloop that was built in Erie in 1813.

The Fate of the Ships

After the War of 1812, Perry's fleet was decommissioned and the ships were dispersed to various locations. Some were sold into private hands, while others were used as training vessels or hulks. Over time, all of the ships met their demise, either through shipwrecks, fires, or demolition.

The Niagara was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a whaling ship. She was lost in a storm in the Pacific Ocean in 1846.

The Lawrence was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a coal barge. She was lost in a fire in 1843.

The Ariel was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a fishing vessel. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1835.

The Caledonia was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a cargo ship. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1838.

The Porcupine was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a fishing vessel. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1833.

The Somers was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a cargo ship. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1836.

The Tigress was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a fishing vessel. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1834.

The Trippe was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a cargo ship. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1837.

The Scorpion was sold into private hands in 1825 and was eventually converted into a fishing vessel. She was lost in a storm on Lake Erie in 1832.

The Legacy of Perry's Fleet

Perry's Lake Erie fleet played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. The ships' victory at the Battle of Lake Erie secured control of the Great Lakes and ultimately led to the American victory in the war.

The legacy of Perry's fleet continues to this day. The ships' stories are told in museums and history books, and their wrecks are popular destinations for divers and underwater explorers. Perry's victory at the Battle of Lake Erie is a reminder of the courage and determination of the American sailors who fought in the War of 1812.

Perry's Lake Erie Fleet: After the Glory

by David Frew

4.6 out of 5