IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Original Name: HMS Elizabeth

• Later Name: USS Asp

• Vessel Type: Schooner (originally an armed British Schooner)

• Build Date: 1808

• Build Location: Mississauga, Ontario

• Length: [Not specified]

• Final Resting Place: Off Salmon River, Mexico Bay, near Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

• Coordinates: [Exact coordinates not documented]

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The HMS Elizabeth, later renamed USS Asp, was a wooden Schooner built in Mississauga, Ontario, in 1808. Initially designed as a British armed naval vessel, it was agile, compact, and capable of handling both military and cargo operations on the Great Lakes.

During its time as USS Asp, the vessel played a significant role in naval operations during the War of 1812, later transitioning into a commercial Schooner that facilitated trade on Lake Ontario.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

War of 1812 Service

The HMS Elizabeth served as a British armed Schooner until its capture by the American naval vessel Growler in 1812. After its capture, the Schooner was incorporated into the U.S. Navy and renamed USS Asp. The vessel saw action in several key engagements, including:

• Attack on York (Toronto): The USS Asp was instrumental in American offensives, providing support during military landings.

• Battle of Fort George: The Schooner contributed to U.S. naval supremacy on Lake Ontario by engaging British forces and aiding in troop movements.

Post-War Commercial Use

In 1815, following the end of the War of 1812, USS Asp was sold and converted for commercial purposes. Operating primarily out of Niagara, the Schooner transported vital goods such as lumber and staves, reflecting the bustling trade economy of the Great Lakes in the early 19th century.

FINAL VOYAGE AND WRECK

Date of Wreck: October 9, 1820

During a routine voyage, the Schooner Asp encountered a violent storm near Long Point on Lake Ontario. The vessel was overwhelmed by gale-force winds, springing a leak that led to its capsizing. Of the eleven people aboard, only two—a lady and a gentleman—survived the ordeal.

• Captain: Captain Prosser, tragically swept overboard and drowned.

• Location of Wreck: The vessel sank near Salmon River in Mexico Bay, close to Oswego, New York.

Several other American vessels in the area were stranded during the storm, but unlike the Asp, they did not suffer any loss of life. This event underscored the perilous nature of navigating Lake Ontario, particularly during sudden and violent storms.

LEGACY AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Asp’s storied history showcases the dual military and commercial roles of schooners during the early 19th century. Its transformation from HMS Elizabeth, a British naval Schooner, to USS Asp under the U.S. Navy, and finally into a merchant vessel reflects the fluid nature of ship use during this period.

The vessel’s role in critical War of 1812 engagements highlights its strategic importance, while its subsequent commercial service demonstrates the pivotal role schooners played in the burgeoning trade networks of the Great Lakes.

The wreck of the Asp adds to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario, serving as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by mariners in the region.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The exact condition and location of the wreck remain undocumented. However, it is believed to rest off Salmon River in Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario. The remains are likely buried in sediment or scattered due to the age and exposure to lake conditions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical data on Great Lakes vessels, including the Asp.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of ships operating on the Great Lakes.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Key resource for researching shipwrecks, including the Asp.

• Thousand Islands Life: Articles and accounts of maritime history in the Thousand Islands and surrounding areas.

• Otsego Herald, October 30, 1820: Contemporary newspaper report detailing the Asp’s wreck.

KEYWORDS

• HMS Elizabeth, USS Asp, War of 1812, Lake Ontario shipwrecks, Salmon River wreck, British Schooner, Mexico Bay wreck, maritime history, Great Lakes naval operations.

CONCLUSION

The Asp represents an intriguing piece of Great Lakes maritime history, transitioning from a British naval Schooner to an American warship and finally a commercial vessel. Its story highlights the strategic importance of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812 and the vital role such vessels played in post-war trade. The tragedy of its wreck in 1820 serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of early 19th-century navigation on the Great Lakes.