USS Ohio (1812)

The first USS Ohio was a merchant schooner purchased by the Navy in 1812; converted to a war ship by Henry Eckford[?]; and commissioned prior to June 13, 1813 with Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins in command.

Ohio served on Lake Erie in the squadron commanded by Captain Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. The squadron's mission was to wrest control of the lake from the British. With four other purchased ships, Ohio lay at Black Rock below the Falls in the Niagara River, prevented by British blockade from entering Lake Erie. Finally, in a combined operation with the Army, Perry was able to bring the ships out to join the remiander of the squadron at its base, Erie (then Presque Isle[?]). Ohio arrived at Erie July 8, 1813.

After searching for the British, the squadron anchored at Sandusky August 17. Ohio returned to Erie for provisions and stores for the squadron, rejoining her sister ships September 3. The same day she set sail for Erie again, and thus was not with the squadron when it won the memorable victory over the British at Put-in Bay September 10. Three days later Ohio reached Put-in Bay with sorely needed fresh vegetables and meat.

As soon as the ice cleared in early 1814, Ohio began patrolling between Long Point and Erie to intercept any British movement by water. In May she assisted in fitting out prizes Detroit and Queen Charlotte at Put-in Bay, and convoyed them to Erie. On August 12, 1814, she was captured with Somers by the British within pistol shot of Fort Erie.

General Characteristics

• Displacement: 62 tons
• Complement: 35 men
• Armament: one 24-pounder