The Battle of Lake Erie

In the first unqualified defeat of a British naval squadron in history, U.S. Captain Oliver Hazard Perry leads a fleet of nine American ships to victory over a squadron of six British warships at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

The battle was closely contested for hours, and Perry’s flagship Lawrence was reduced to a defenseless wreck. He then transferred to the Niagara and sailed directly into the British line, firing broadsides and forcing the British to surrender. Perry had won a complete victory at the cost of 27 Americans killed and 96 wounded; British casualties were 40 dead and 94 wounded. The Battle of Lake Erie forced the British to abandon Detroit, ensuring U.S. control over Lake Erie and the territorial northwest.

Why was Admiral Robert H. Barclay forced to lift the siege around Presque Isle?

In the spring and summer of 1813, American forces went on the war’s western front offensive. First, American forces under Zebulon Pike attacked York, Canada, taking it and burning the town and military supplies there. With the town's capture, British forces in the area were forced to reroute their supply lines to a much longer route. This huge loss and change in supply greatly affected Barclay’s fleet. He lifted the siege with limited supplies and munitions to secure his supply lines and consolidate his forces.

What famous phrase was used at the Battle of Lake Erie?

In the days before the Battle of Lake Erie, Perry wanted to have a flag to signal to his fleet to attack the British fleet and bolster his men’s spirits. Samuel Hamberton suggested he sew the famous last words of naval commander James Lawrence, “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” who died in June 1813 while defending the USS Chesapeake. Liking this idea, Perry decided to adopt it. Once completed, the flag was given to the USS Niagara and flown during the battle, emboldening many sailors and helping in the American victory.