Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: HMS Huron
- Type: Schooner / Brig
- Year Built: 1808
- Builder: Black Rock, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 53 ft 6 in (16.3 m); Beam: 17 ft 3.25 in (5.3 m); Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 65 tons (old measurement)
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.4 m / 8 ft
- Location: Streets Creek off Chippewa Creek, Ontario
- Official Number: Not located in available records
- Original Owners: U.S. Navy, Royal Navy
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Schooner / Brig
Description
Originally constructed as the merchant schooner Catherine in 1808 in Black Rock, New York, this wooden vessel was part of the merchant fleet before being acquired by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. She was armed and renamed USS Somers, joining Commodore Perry’s fleet on Lake Erie. After being captured by the British in 1814, she was recommissioned as HMS Huron and became part of the Royal Navy’s strategic force on the Great Lakes.
History
The Catherine was sold to the U.S. Navy in 1812 and renamed USS Somers. She was outfitted with two guns and played a role in the American fleet during the War of 1812. On August 12, 1814, British forces captured both the Somers and Ohio during a raid near Fort Erie. Once in British hands, Somers was renamed HMS Huron, while Ohio became HMS Sauk. These vessels were used mainly for transport and patrol duties on Lakes Erie and Huron. In 1814, to prevent recapture by American forces, HMS Huron was intentionally sunk in Streets Creek off Chippewa Creek. She was later raised in the spring and returned to service.
Significant Incidents
- Captured by British forces on August 12, 1814.
- Intentionally sunk in Streets Creek to prevent recapture.
Final Disposition
After her service, HMS Huron was eventually decommissioned and placed in “ordinary” following the signing of the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817, which limited naval armament on the Great Lakes. Her ultimate fate remains undocumented in the available sources.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil return. No records found indicating the wreck has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”hms-huron-uss-somers-catherine” title=”References & Links”]
HMS Huron exemplifies the transition from commerce to military utility, common for many schooners on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Her capture and use by both American and British navies underscore her strategic importance. Further research into naval archives may shed light on her specifications and final disposition.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: HMS Huron
- Former Names: USS Somers; originally Catherine
- Registration Number(s): Not located in available records
- Date Built and Launched: 1808
- Measurements:
- Length: 53 ft 6 in (16.3 m)
- Beam: 17 ft 3.25 in (5.3 m)
- Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Tonnage: 65 tons (old measurement)
- Date Lost: 1814
- Location Lost: Streets Creek off Chippewa Creek, Ontario
Vessel Type
Schooner / Brig
Description
Originally constructed as the merchant schooner Catherine in 1808 in Black Rock, New York, this wooden vessel was part of the merchant fleet before being acquired by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. She was armed and renamed USS Somers, joining Commodore Perry’s fleet on Lake Erie. After being captured by the British in 1814, she was recommissioned as HMS Huron and became part of the Royal Navy’s strategic force on the Great Lakes.
History
The Catherine was sold to the U.S. Navy in 1812 and renamed USS Somers. She was outfitted with two guns and played a role in the American fleet during the War of 1812. On August 12, 1814, British forces captured both the Somers and Ohioduring a raid near Fort Erie. Once in British hands, Somers was renamed HMS Huron, while Ohio became HMS Sauk. These vessels were used mainly for transport and patrol duties on Lakes Erie and Huron. In 1814, to prevent recapture by American forces, HMS Huron was intentionally sunk in Streets Creek off Chippewa Creek. She was later raised in the spring and returned to service.
Final Disposition
After her service, HMS Huron was eventually decommissioned and placed in “ordinary” following the signing of the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817, which limited naval armament on the Great Lakes. Her ultimate fate remains undocumented in the available sources.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return. No records found indicating the wreck has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
Nil return. No navigational warnings or advisories pertaining to the vessel are currently noted.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
HMS Huron exemplifies the transition from commerce to military utility, common for many schooners on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. Her capture and use by both American and British navies underscore her strategic importance. Further research into naval archives may shed light on her specifications and final disposition.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
Keywords: HMS Huron, USS Somers, schooner Catherine, War of 1812, Great Lakes naval history
Categories: War of 1812 Naval Vessels, Great Lakes Ship History, Captured Ships
Glossary Terms:
- Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically with the foremast shorter than the mainmast, rigged fore-and-aft.
- Brig: A sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts, used for both commerce and warfare.
- In Ordinary: Naval term for a ship that is not in active service but maintained for future use.