Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: HMS Beaver

Vessel Type: Armed Sloop

Year Built: Circa 1762

Builder: Richard Cornwall, Detroit, Michigan

Owner: Alexander Grant, Detroit

Final Location: Cat Fish Creek, 14 miles from present-day Buffalo, Lake Erie

Date of Loss: August 28, 1763

Cause of Loss: Storm

Cargo: Provisions for Detroit (pork, flour, and other essentials)

Vessel Type Description

HMS Beaver was an armed sloop with two masts, built specifically to aid British efforts during Pontiac’s War, a conflict between the British and Native American tribes. As an essential vessel, it served to transport provisions, personnel, and trade goods, supporting British garrisons and their allies. Sloops of this kind were critical to 18th-century Great Lakes operations, combining speed, maneuverability, and sufficient cargo capacity to navigate inland waterways.

History

Built in 1762 under the guidance of Richard Cornwall in Detroit, HMS Beaver was designed to serve the British war effort during the siege of Detroit. This period marked significant unrest as Pontiac, a leader of the Odawa people, rallied tribes to resist British expansion and policies in the region.

On its fateful voyage, HMS Beaver was laden with provisions vital for the survival of the besieged British fort at Detroit. Carrying barrels of pork, flour, and other supplies, the sloop embarked on its mission with military personnel and potential fur trade associates onboard.

As it approached Cat Fish Creek, a storm swept across Lake Erie, overwhelming the sloop. Despite the tumultuous conditions, the crew and passengers survived, a rare silver lining in an otherwise tragic event. Much of the cargo was lost to the lake, but approximately 185 barrelsof provisions were salvaged and transferred to the Schooner Gladwin, ensuring that Detroit received some of the much-needed supplies.

Final Disposition

HMS Beaver sank in stormy waters off Cat Fish Creek, near Buffalo, New York. While efforts to salvage the vessel itself proved futile, the recovery of its cargo was critical to sustaining the besieged fort at Detroit. The wreck likely deteriorated over time and remains undiscovered, a ghostly remnant of Lake Erie’s tumultuous maritime history.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no modern Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for HMS Beaver. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and it is not a hazard to modern navigation.

Impact on Early Navigation

The wreck of HMS Beaver illuminated the significant challenges faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes, including unpredictable weather and limited navigational tools. The loss underscored the strategic importance of shipbuilding and maritime logistics, prompting British authorities to bolster their fleet with additional sloops and schooners constructed at Navy Island. These vessels played a critical role in maintaining supply lines to remote posts during Pontiac’s War and other military engagements in the region.

The incident also spurred advancements in ship design and construction to better withstand the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, laying a foundation for future maritime operations in the region.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive records on shipwrecks across the Great Lakes

•Archives of Early Naval History: Historical documents on naval operations during Pontiac’s War

Conclusion

HMS Beaver was more than a vessel; it was a lifeline for British forces navigating the challenges of Pontiac’s War. Its tragic loss in 1763 highlights the unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes and the critical role of maritime logistics in colonial conflicts. Though its remains rest undiscovered, HMS Beaver’s story endures as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who navigated these treacherous waters.

Keywords

HMS Beaver, Lake Erie shipwreck, Pontiac’s War, 18th-century Great Lakes history, Cat Fish Creek wreck, British armed sloop.