Battle of Lake Erie
The Battle of Lake Erie was a crucial naval engagement in the War of 1812, fought on September 10, 1813, between the United States and British forces. Following the American defeat at Detroit in 1812, U.S. officials aimed to regain control of the Old Northwest, with naval dominance on Lake Erie being a strategic priority. Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry led the American fleet, which was constructed in Erie, Pennsylvania, and ultimately outnumbered British vessels under Commander Robert H. Barclay, who operated from Amherstburg, Ontario.
The battle is notable for its intensity, being described as the bloodiest naval confrontation of the war. A significant shift in wind conditions benefitted Perry, allowing him to effectively engage the British fleet, despite initial disadvantages faced by his flagship, the USS Lawrence. After transferring his command to the USS Niagara, Perry's forces successfully turned the tide by crossing the British line and attacking from multiple angles. The outcome of the battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Perry's victory enabling American ground forces to reclaim Detroit and push back British and Native American forces in the region. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the War of 1812, solidifying U.S. naval power on the Great Lakes.
Battle of Lake Erie
Date: September 10, 1813
Location: Lake Erie, west of Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Combatants: 562 British vs. about 500 Americans
Principal commanders:British, Commander Robert H. Barclay (1785–1837); American, Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry (1785–1819)
Result: The British squadron surrendered to the American force.
Following the surrender of Detroit in 1812, U.S. officials sought to reclaim their control of the Old Northwest by first gaining naval dominance of Lake Erie. The U.S. Navy ordered Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he supervised the construction of an American squadron. By August, 1813, his efforts provided the U.S. Navy superiority in vessels and firepower over its foe. Commander Robert H. Barclay, operating out of the small, isolated Detroit River port of Amherstburg, Ontario, could not match the American shipbuilding effort.
A shift in the wind gave Perry the advantage and allowed him to close with the British and bring his short-range carronades to bear. His squadron lagged behind the flagship, the Lawrence, and the British concentrated their fire on that vessel, rendering her useless. Perry transferred his flag to the advancing brig Niagara and ordered its commander to bring up the other vessels. Niagara crossed the British line, and the trailing vessels raked the six Royal Navy ships. This bloodiest naval engagement of the war saw 41 British killed and 94 wounded. Perry lost 27 dead and 96 wounded.
Perry’s victory opened the way for American ground forces to reclaim Detroit and drive the British and their Indian allies out of Michigan’s lower peninsula and southwestern Ontario.