Naval Sloop Trippe (1802–1813)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Trippe
• Former Name: Contractor
• Official Number: None (pre-dating U.S. vessel registration requirements)
• Vessel Type at Loss: Naval sloop, single-masted, armed with one 24-pounder cannon
• Builder: Porter, Barton & Co.
• Year Built & Launched: 1802–1803
• Specifications: Tonnage: 60–64 tonnage (Old Style)
• Date Lost: December 1813
• Location of Loss: Buffalo, New York, Lake Erie
• Cause of Loss: Burned (arson by British forces in the War of 1812)
• Loss of Life: None reported
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown

Vessel Description & Service History

The Trippe was originally built as a commercial sloop named Contractor in 1802–1803 by Porter, Barton & Co., a well-known shipbuilding and shipping company active in early Great Lakes commerce. In 1812, the vessel was purchased by the U.S. government for use in the War of 1812  She was converted into a naval sloop, armed with a single 24-pounder cannon, and crewed by 35 men.  The vessel was commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Holdup and became part of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s squadron during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a small but maneuverable vessel, the Trippe played a supporting role in American naval operations, escorting larger warships, transporting supplies, and engaging enemy vessels when necessary.

Battle of Lake Erie (September 10, 1813 The Trippe was one of the nine ships under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s command during the decisive Battle of Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay.  The battle resulted in a major American victory, securing U.S. control over Lake Erie and disrupting British supply lines.  Following the battle, the Trippe continued to serve as a patrol and transport vessel for the U.S. Navy.

Final Voyage & Loss (1813)

In November 1813, the Trippe ran ashore near Buffalo, New York, and was disabled.  In December 1813, British forces launched a raid on Buffalo and set fire to multiple ships in the harbor, including the Trippe.  The vessel was completely destroyed by fire, marking the end of her service in the U.S. Navy.

The destruction of the Trippe was part of a larger British retaliation for the American capture of Fort George earlier that year. The raid on Buffalo also included the burning of the city itself and the destruction of several other American ships.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss after being burned by British forces.
• No known salvage efforts.
• No confirmed remains of the vessel have been discovered.
• No confirmed wreck site identified.
• If any remains exist, they would be buried along the Buffalo waterfront.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The War of 1812 saw multiple naval engagements on the Great Lakes, with many U.S. and British ships lost due to combat, storms, and sabotage.  The Battle of Lake Erie was one of the most significant American victories, leading to full U.S. control of Lake Erie for the remainder of the war.  The burning of Buffalo in December 1813 was a devastating blow to American naval operations, leading to the loss of several vessels, Shipyards, and strategic resources.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Naval History and Heritage Command – War of 1812: https://www.history.navy.mil
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org

Conclusion

The Trippe was a former commercial sloop turned U.S. Navy warship, serving in the Battle of Lake Erie under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Though she contributed to a crucial American victory, she was burned by British forces in the raid on Buffalo in December 1813. Her loss was part of a broader conflict that shaped the naval history of the Great Lakes. Today, no known wreckage of the Trippe remains, but her legacy as a War of 1812 combat vessel endures in American naval history.