History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Caledonia
NamesakeCaledonia, Latin name for Scotland
BuilderAmherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard
Launched1807
FateCaptured, 9 October 1812
General characteristics
TypeBrig
PropulsionSail
NotesProvincial Marine vessel

Caledonia was a British brig which saw service on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Caledonia was built in Malden in Upper Canada for the North West Company, and launched in 1807. During the early part of the War, the vessel was commandeered by the Provincial Marine, and played an important part in the Siege of Fort Mackinac, carrying troops and guns to the island.[1]

On 9 October 1812, Caledonia and Detroit (formerly the American armed brig Adams, which had been captured after the Siege of Detroit) were anchored near Fort Erie in the upper reaches of the Niagara River. Both had been transporting troops and materials eastwards, but Caledonia also carried a valuable cargo of furs. An American boat expedition commanded by Lieutenant Jesse Elliott captured the two brigs. Caledonia was taken to the navy yard at Black Rock, but Detroit was swept away by the current and forced to drop anchor within range of British cannons. After an artillery duel, the cable was cut and Detroit drifted down the river, grounding on Squaw Island (today known as Unity Island) where she was abandoned, and eventually set on fire and destroyed.

Caledonia was taken into American service as USS Caledonia.[1]

Citations

  1. 1 2 "The Ships that Battled for Lake Erie: What Happened to Them? Part 2: The United States Navy - Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2 December 2021.

References

  • David Lyon & Rif Winfield (2004). The Sail & Steam Navy List: All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815-1889. London. ISBN 1-86176-032-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Rif Winfield (2005). British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793-1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. London. ISBN 1-86176-246-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • David Lyon (1997). The Sailing Navy List: All the Ships of the Royal Navy, Built, Purchased and Captured, 1688-1860. London. ISBN 0-85177-864-X.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Robert Malcomson (2001). Warships of the Great Lakes: 1754-1834. Annapolis. ISBN 1-55750-910-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Robert Malcomson (1998). Lords of the Lake. Annapolis. ISBN 1-55750-532-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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