Sacket's Harbour

### **Category: Sackets Harbor, New York** #### **Overview** **Sackets Harbor, New York**, is a **historic waterfront town** located on the **eastern shore of Lake Ontario**, near the entrance to the **St. Lawrence River**. It played a **critical role in U.S. naval history**, particularly during the **War of 1812**, and was a major **shipbuilding center** for Great Lakes trade and military defense. Today, Sackets Harbor is known for its **maritime heritage, shipwreck diving, and scenic waterfront attractions**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located in **Jefferson County, New York**, on the **eastern shore of Lake Ontario**. - Near **Black River Bay**, which provides a **natural deep-water harbor**. - Positioned close to **Kingston, Ontario**, making it a key site for **U.S.-Canada naval conflicts** during the War of 1812. - A gateway to the **Thousand Islands region** and the **St. Lawrence Seaway**. #### **Maritime & Naval History** - **War of 1812 Military Hub**: - The **U.S. Navy established a major shipyard** at Sackets Harbor, building **warships for Great Lakes battles**. - Served as **headquarters for the U.S. Northern Fleet**, defending against British forces. - Site of the **Battle of Sackets Harbor (May 29, 1813)**, where American troops repelled a British attack. - **19th & 20th Century Shipbuilding & Trade**: - After the War of 1812, Sackets Harbor remained an **important shipbuilding center** for Great Lakes commerce. - The harbor supported **timber, grain, and iron trade**, helping develop the regional economy. - Served as a key **naval training base** during **World War I and World War II**. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** The waters around Sackets Harbor contain **historic shipwrecks**, including **warships, cargo vessels, and steamers** lost in storms or military action. Notable wrecks include: - **HMS Wolfe (1813)** – A British warship reportedly scuttled after battle. - **USS Oneida (1809-1837)** – A U.S. Navy brig that played a major role in the **War of 1812**. - **Great Lakes schooners and steamboats** – Many **unidentified wooden wrecks** lie in the area, remnants of Sackets Harbor’s shipbuilding past. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site** – Preserves the **War of 1812 battleground**, featuring museums, reenactments, and walking trails. - **Sackets Harbor Heritage Area** – A scenic waterfront district with **shops, restaurants, and historical sites**. - **Madison Barracks** – A historic military post used from **1816 through World War II**. - **Boating & Fishing** – The area is popular for **sailing, kayaking, and sport fishing**, particularly for **bass, walleye, and northern pike**. - **Scenic Lake Ontario Views** – Sackets Harbor offers **stunning lakefront scenery**, ideal for outdoor activities and photography. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Winter Ice & Storms**: The harbor freezes over in **winter**, restricting navigation. - **Historical Preservation**: Many wrecks and historic sites are **protected by conservation laws**. - **Strong Winds & Waves**: The open waters of **Lake Ontario** can create **challenging boating conditions**. ### **Why It Matters** Sackets Harbor is one of the most **historically significant maritime towns** on Lake Ontario. As a **key naval base, shipbuilding center, and trade hub**, it has shaped **U.S. naval history, Great Lakes commerce, and cross-border relations with Canada**. Today, it remains a **popular destination for history lovers, divers, and waterfront tourists**, preserving its **legacy as a Great Lakes maritime stronghold**.