•Vessel Name: Liberty
•Vessel Type: Armed Schooner
•Date of Construction: Circa 18th Century
•Length: Unknown, but standard for similar armed schooners of the time
•Region: St. Lawrence River, near Round Island, Clayton, New York
•Final Fate: Scuttled during naval engagements in the St. Lawrence River
Vessel Type:
The Liberty was an armed schooner, likely utilized for patrols, troop transport, and small-scale engagements during the War of 1812. Schooners of this type were often fast and maneuverable, making them suitable for operations in rivers and coastal waters. With 14 guns on board, the Liberty was equipped to engage in light combat, providing support to larger ships or defending convoys from smaller, faster vessels.
Description:
The Liberty had a storied history that included its service during a critical period in American naval history. Originally a British vessel, the Liberty was captured by American forces during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. It was recaptured by British forces in 1777, underscoring the intense naval engagements that characterized this period.
During its operational life, the Liberty was involved in several skirmishes along the St. Lawrence River and near the Thousand Islands, which were key strategic points for both American and British forces. The vessel’s presence in the area was part of larger efforts to control access to the river, a vital artery for moving troops, supplies, and engaging in military operations.
History:
The Liberty’s service history reflects the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of naval warfare during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Having changed hands between the Americans and the British, the ship became part of the complex military maneuvers that dominated the waterways around the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
By the time of the War of 1812, the Liberty was part of a British fleet engaged in protecting supply routes and intercepting American forces attempting to assert control over the region. The river was strategically important, serving as a conduit for reinforcements and supplies between Lake Ontario and Montreal.
During one of these engagements near Round Island, the Liberty was scuttled to prevent its capture by American forces. This was a common fate for vessels that found themselves unable to escape or effectively fight off pursuing ships. Scuttling the vessel not only denied the enemy a valuable asset but also allowed the crew to escape capture, preserving their ability to fight another day.
Final Disposition:
The schooner Liberty was scuttled in the St. Lawrence River near Round Island. The exact circumstances of its sinking remain partially speculative, but it is believed to have been deliberately sunk to avoid capture. Its wreck likely remains on the riverbed near Clayton, although its precise location has yet to be definitively mapped.
Located By & Date:
As of now, no official discovery or detailed mapping of the Liberty wreck has been reported. However, it is thought to be located in the waters near Round Island, where several wrecks from the War of 1812 period have been discovered or are presumed to lie.
Notmars & Advisories:
Due to the river’s high traffic and historic wrecks, mariners should exercise caution when navigating near Round Island. The wreck of the Liberty, along with other potential submerged hazards from this era, could pose risks to navigation, especially for vessels with deeper drafts.
Resources & Links: #
For more information on the Liberty and related shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River, please consult the following resources:
•Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
•Maritime History of the Great Lakes
Conclusion: #
The schooner Liberty serves as an important piece of naval history, representing the fluid control of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes during times of war. Its scuttling near Round Island reflects the tactical decisions made by commanders to deny valuable ships to the enemy during critical moments in the struggle for control of North America’s waterways.
Keywords: #
Liberty shipwreck, St. Lawrence River, Round Island, Clayton NY, War of 1812, naval scuttling, schooner, Great Lakes shipwrecks
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