IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHIPPEWA was originally a British schooner that was captured by American forces during the War of 1812. Schooners were versatile vessels widely used for both commercial and military purposes on the Great Lakes. Their agility and speed made them ideal for quick maneuvers and engagements, especially in the relatively confined and shallow waters of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The schooner CHIPPEWA played a significant role during the War of 1812, particularly in the decisive Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. This battle was a pivotal moment in the war, as control of Lake Erie was crucial for both the British and American forces.
Under the command of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the American fleet faced off against the British in a fierce naval engagement. The British fleet was carefully arranged, with the CHIPPEWA positioned at the forefront, followed by other key vessels such as the flagship DETROIT and the brig QUEEN CHARLOTTE. The battle was intense, with Perry’s flagship, the USS Niagara, initially engaging in long-range artillery duels while the USS Lawrence, another key ship in the American fleet, faced close combat with the three heaviest British vessels.
After the American victory at the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry decided to move a portion of his squadron to Erie while keeping the remainder stationed at the lower end of the lake. However, as the squadron attempted to anchor at Buffalo, the CHIPPEWA, along with the USS Ariel, encountered severe weather conditions. Strong winds and rough waters caused the ships to part their cables, leading them to be driven ashore.
Despite efforts to save the vessels, the relentless elements eventually reduced the CHIPPEWA and Ariel to wreckage. Their remains were left on the shores of Buffalo, marking the end of their service in the War of 1812. The loss of the CHIPPEWA was a somber reminder of the dangers faced by naval forces during this turbulent period.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHIPPEWA was wrecked on the shores of Buffalo, New York, after being driven ashore during a storm in late 1813. The schooner, along with the USS Ariel, was pounded by the unforgiving waves and winds, ultimately leading to their destruction. The wreckage of the CHIPPEWA remained on the shores, serving as a lasting testament to the perilous conditions of naval warfare on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck site of the CHIPPEWA. The exact location of the wreck may have been lost to time, with any remains likely buried or scattered along the shore.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The CHIPPEWA was wrecked on the shores of Buffalo, New York, following a storm in late 1813. Specific details regarding the discovery or identification of the wreck have not been documented, and it is unlikely that any significant remains have been recovered.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Wikipedia: War of 1812 Naval Vessels
- List of Vessels on the Lakes 1812
CONCLUSION #
The schooner CHIPPEWA’s service during the War of 1812 and its subsequent wreck on the shores of Buffalo is a poignant reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by naval forces on the Great Lakes. As a captured British vessel repurposed for the American cause, the CHIPPEWA played a key role in one of the most significant naval battles of the war. Its ultimate destruction in a storm highlights the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the sacrifices made by those who served during this tumultuous period. The legacy of the CHIPPEWA, along with the other vessels lost during the war, continues to shape our understanding of the Great Lakes’ maritime history.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, War of 1812, Schooner, Lake Erie, Naval Warfare, Oliver Hazard Perry, Buffalo NY, Shipwreck Resilience, Captured Vessels
