USS Sylph (1813)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: USS Sylph
• Type: Schooner (later rerigged as a brig)
• Year Built: 1813
• Builder: Henry Eckford
• Dimensions: Not specified
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Sackett’s Harbor, New York
• Original Owners: United States Navy

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The USS Sylph was initially constructed as a schooner for the United States Navy during the War of 1812. It was later rerigged as a brig, increasing its firepower and maneuverability. Designed for combat on the Great Lakes, the vessel embodied the strategic importance of naval power in controlling key waterways during the war. Its transition from schooner to brig demonstrated adaptability in response to the operational needs of the American fleet.

Description

The USS Sylph was built in 1813 at Sackett’s Harbor, New York, under the supervision of Henry Eckford, a prominent shipbuilder. It was part of the U.S. Navy’s strategic push to strengthen its presence on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.

History

Wartime Service

• August 1813: Launched and joined Commodore Isaac Chauncey’s squadron on Lake Ontario.
• September 11, 1813: Engaged in a running battle with the Royal Navy off the Genesee River; no decisive outcome.
• October 1813: Participated in the capture of British vessels, including the USS Julia and USS Growler, enhancing American naval dominance.
• Spring 1814: Re-entered service following repairs, contributing to operations that forced the British to scuttle the brig Sir Sydney Smith.

Postwar Service

• Following the Treaty of Ghent in 1815, the Sylph was decommissioned and laid up at Sackett’s Harbor.
• By 1823, the vessel was reported decayed and sunk at its mooring.
• Its remains were sold before 1825, marking the end of its naval career.

Significant Incidents

• Fate: Decayed and sank at Sackett’s Harbor, New York, by 1823.
• Post-1823: Remains sold and likely salvaged for materials; no significant artifacts have been recovered or documented.

Final Disposition

The remains of the USS Sylph have not been definitively located. Its decay and sinking were documented at Sackett’s Harbor, but the exact location is unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The vessel’s remains are presumed to have disintegrated over time. If any remnants exist, they are likely buried or scattered in the harbor’s sediment. Accessibility is limited due to the lack of definitive location or surviving structural elements.

Resources & Links

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The USS Sylph stands as a testament to the United States’ naval efforts during the War of 1812. From its construction in 1813 to its pivotal role in several engagements, the vessel highlights the strategic importance of controlling the Great Lakes during this critical period. Though it eventually succumbed to decay and disrepair, the Sylph‘s legacy endures in the annals of American maritime history. Its story underscores the challenges and innovations of naval warfare in the early 19th century.