Amherstburg Navy Yard

A Navy Yard was built at Amherstburg in 1796 to replace Detroit as the base and supply depot for the Provincial Marine on Lakes Erie and Huron. In 1812 the GENERAL HUNTER and QUEEN CHARLOTTE, built there, took part in the capture of Detroit. In September 1813 the British squadron under R. Barclay sailed from Amherstburg to collect desperately needed food supplies, but the larger and more heavily armed American squadron commanded by O. Perry met them in the battle of Lake Erie. The British first used the advantage of the wind and their long-range guns to disable the American flagship LAWRENCE, but after Perry was rowed to the NIAGARA and gained the wind, the Americans struck the British line with more powerful short-range carronades. The DETROIT and QUEEN CHARLOTTE were disabled, their officers were killed or wounded, the two vessels became entangled and unable to manoeuvre, and the British ships were raked by cannon fire until they surrendered. Robert Barclay's poorly equipped fleet was defeated, the entire British squadron was captured, and the Americans held command of Lake Erie for the rest of the war. This reverse led the British to burn the Navy Yard on 22 September 1813 before withdrawing from Amherstburg. The King's Navy Yard at Amherstburg included blockhouses, a provision storehouse, a lime and mortar house, an old guard house, and a ropewalk. Captain R.A. Finnis, Lieutenant John Garland, seamen of the Royal Navy and Provincial Marine, Lieutenant John Garden, and soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland and 41st Regiments are remembered with their comrades who served on these lakes in defense of Canada in 1812-1814.

Ontario · Canada