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Battle of Lake Erie

American ships battle the British squadron on Lake Erie
Source: The War of 1812, by Wesley Turner

"We have met the enemy and they are ours."
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

On Lake Erie, the struggle for naval supremacy was resolved on September 10, 1813. American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry had built a fleet in the harbor of Presque Isle, a total of nine ships. His opponent was Captain Robert Barclay, with a squadron of six vessels.

However, the American fleet was trapped by a sand bar in the harbor. Moreover, Barclay's ships maintained a blocade of Presque Isle until the end of July, 1813, when they sailed away for reinforcements. When the British fleet returned on August 4, they found that Perry had his ships hauled over the sand bar and was now able to attack.

The opposing fleets met near Put-in-Bay, at the west of lake Erie. Since Oliver Perry's ships posed a hazard to British military points on Lake Erie, Commander Barclay decided to engage the American ships, despite their numerical superiority, better equipment, and the fact that his own fleet was undermanned and undergunned and his men lacked battle experience.

By mid-afternoon on September 10, though, Perry's flagship was destroyed. The American commander transferred his command to another ship. Barclay, wounded, was taken prisoner along with the other British sailors, and the entire British squadron was captured and taken back as prizes.

Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry gained respect and reputation through his victory, which put the American forces in complete control of Lake Erie.