Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Liberty

• Vessel Type: Armed Schooner

• Date of Construction: Circa 18th Century

• Length: Unknown, but typical of armed schooners of the era

• Region: St. Lawrence River, near Round Island, Clayton, New York

• Final Fate: Scuttled during naval engagements in the St. Lawrence River

Vessel Type Description

The Liberty was an armed Schooner equipped with 14 guns, designed for patrols, troop transport, and light combat engagements. Its speed and maneuverability made it ideal for operations in confined and strategic waterways like the St. Lawrence River. Such schooners were often deployed to support larger warships, defend convoys, and engage in small-scale skirmishes.

Description and History

Originally a British vessel, the Liberty was captured by American forces during the American Revolutionary War but recaptured by the British in 1777. The Schooner exemplifies the fluidity of naval control in the region during this period, with vessels frequently changing hands due to the dynamic nature of engagements.

By the War of 1812, the Liberty was part of the British fleet tasked with safeguarding supply routes and disrupting American operations in the St. Lawrence River and surrounding waters. These waterways were critical for transporting troops, supplies, and reinforcements between Lake Ontario and Montreal, making them a focal point of military strategy.

The Liberty participated in skirmishes near the Thousand Islands and along the St. Lawrence River. During a critical engagement near Round Island, the vessel was scuttled by the British to prevent its capture by advancing American forces. This deliberate sinking not only denied the Americans a valuable naval asset but also allowed the crew to evade capture and regroup for further action.

Final Disposition

• Date of Scuttling: During the War of 1812

• Location: Near Round Island, Clayton, New York, in the St. Lawrence River

• How: Deliberately sunk to avoid capture by American forces

The Liberty likely remains on the riverbed near Round Island, though its precise location has not been confirmed or mapped in detail. The cold, fresh waters of the St. Lawrence may have preserved elements of the wreck, but sediment and currents could have obscured much of the site.

Located By & Discovery Date

• Discovery: No official discovery or detailed mapping of the Liberty wreck has been reported. It remains a subject of interest for maritime historians and archaeologists.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The St. Lawrence River near Round Island is a high-traffic area with several historic wrecks. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when navigating in these waters, as submerged hazards like the Liberty may pose risks to vessels, particularly those with deeper drafts.

Resources & Links

For further research on the Liberty and related shipwrecks:

• Great Lakes Vessels Online Index: Comprehensive resource for Great Lakes vessels and their histories.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records of shipwrecks and naval incidents.

• 3D Shipwrecks: Advanced mapping and visualization of shipwreck sites in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

Conclusion

The Liberty embodies the strategic importance of the St. Lawrence River during the War of 1812 and earlier conflicts. Its scuttling reflects tactical decisions made during intense engagements to deny assets to opposing forces. The wreck remains a silent witness to the naval battles that shaped the control of North America’s inland waterways. While the Liberty’s exact resting place has yet to be pinpointed, it holds immense potential for uncovering insights into 18th- and early 19th-century naval warfare, shipbuilding, and the struggle for dominance in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions.

Keywords

• Liberty Shipwreck

• St. Lawrence River

• Round Island

• Clayton, NY

• War of 1812

• Naval Scuttling

• Schooner

• Great Lakes Shipwrecks