1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ARIEL was a 4-gun armed schooner built in 1813 specifically for the United States Navy to serve during the War of 1812. Schooners like the ARIEL were vital to naval operations on the Great Lakes, combining speed, maneuverability, and firepower. These vessels were often used for patrolling, escorting, and engaging enemy ships. The ARIEL played an active role in the naval conflicts of the War of 1812, particularly in Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet.
3. HISTORY #
The ARIEL was constructed by A & N Brown in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1813 as part of the United States’ efforts to secure control over the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. The vessel was armed with four guns and was one of the ships that participated in the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. During the battle, Commodore Perry led the American fleet to a significant victory over the British, capturing their entire fleet.
The ARIEL, along with other American vessels, sustained damage during the battle but played a crucial role in securing the American victory. The ship continued to serve in the U.S. Navy until December 29, 1813, when it was caught in a squall and ran aground at Black Rock, near present-day Buffalo, New York. The British, seizing the opportunity, burned the ARIEL to prevent its recapture by American forces.
The loss of the ARIEL was a direct result of the strategic actions taken by the British during the War of 1812, reflecting the intense naval warfare that characterized the conflict on the Great Lakes.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ARIEL was burned by the British on December 29, 1813, after running aground during a squall at Black Rock, New York. The vessel’s destruction was part of the ongoing conflict between American and British forces during the War of 1812.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the ARIEL.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the ARIEL’s remains is not detailed in the provided information. The ship was burned at Black Rock, New York, after running aground, and its remains may have been scattered or buried over time.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the ARIEL was burned in 1813, it is likely that little remains of the vessel today. Any remnants of the ship would likely be in a deteriorated state, possibly buried or submerged in the area around Black Rock, New York. The site could be of historical interest, but accessibility may be limited due to the passage of time and potential changes to the landscape.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- National Park Service
- Fandom – War of 1812
- Navy Source
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The ARIEL’s role in the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of Lake Erie, marks it as a significant vessel in American naval history. The ship’s destruction at Black Rock underscores the strategic importance of controlling naval assets during the conflict. The ARIEL’s service and eventual loss highlight the challenges faced by the fledgling United States Navy as it sought to assert control over the Great Lakes against a formidable British adversary.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Given the age of the wreck and the fact that the ARIEL was burned by the British, any remaining parts of the vessel are likely in poor condition. The site of the wreck may be of interest to historians and archaeologists, but it is unclear whether it offers significant diving opportunities. If any dives are planned in the area, it is recommended to consult with local historians or maritime experts to better understand the site’s historical context and potential for exploration.
TAGS #
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- ARIEL, USS
- War of 1812
- Lake Erie
- Black Rock, New York
- Schooner
- Naval Warfare
- Commodore Perry
- British-American Conflict
CONCLUSION #
The ARIEL, USS, played a critical role in one of the most important naval battles of the War of 1812. Built in 1813, this 4-gun schooner was part of Commodore Perry’s fleet that secured a decisive victory over the British on Lake Erie. The ship’s eventual loss at Black Rock, where it was burned by the British after running aground, serves as a reminder of the fierce naval engagements that took place on the Great Lakes during this period. While the physical remnants of the ARIEL may have been lost to time, its legacy endures as a symbol of American resilience and naval prowess during the War of 1812.
