HMS Caledonia (1807)

For other ships with the same name, see Caledonia.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Caledonia.

Model of HMS Caledonia, Sault Ste. Marie Museum
History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Caledonia
Namesake	Caledonia , Latin name for Scotland
Builder	Amherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard
Launched	1807
Fate	Captured, 9 October 1812
General characteristics
Type	Brig
Propulsion	Sail
Notes	Provincial 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. "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. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. 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.
• Rif Winfield (2005). British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793–1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. London. ISBN   1-86176-246-1.
• 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.
• Robert Malcomson (2001). Warships of the Great Lakes: 1754–1834. Annapolis. ISBN   1-55750-910-7.
• Robert Malcomson (1998). Lords of the Lake. Annapolis. ISBN   1-55750-532-2.