u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

The Niagara served as the relief flagship for Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. It is docked in Presque Isle Bay, on Lake Erie, behind the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA as an outdoor exhibit. But it also travels to various Great Lakes ports during the summer. It was constructed from 1812 to 1813 to protect the vulnerable American coastline on Lake Erie from the British. As the relief flagship for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, it played a pivotal role in the battle for the lake.

The current Niagara is the third reconstruction of the original vessel. It was launched in Erie in 1988, the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie.

It was scheduled to go out for a test sail on May 2, when I took these pics, but instead the sizable crew (some permanent but many volunteer trainees) just performed some additional training on rigging the sails. I don't know why it didn't sail. Perhaps not enough wind, although it does have a motor.

I grew up five blocks away from where the boat is located.

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Great photos and interesting bit of history, thanks.

tejaswrangler Loc: South Texas

u02bnpx, excellent pictures, and good story about the old ship. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup: Tejaswrangler :)

u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

Don't know if you live near it, but the beach at Corona del Mar was our favorite during the years we lived in Arcadia. God, I miss it, although Presque Isle does have decent beaches.

u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

I love to spread the history of our town and our great lake as much as I can.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Very good, interesting photos, Floyd! I love the history you shared, too!

u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

Thanks for reaching out from the other side of PA. Come visit Erie if you have never done so.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Thanks for the invite! Ya never know, we just might! We have friends near Pittsburgh.