Flagship Niagara (V004)

Head across Lake Erie on the U.S. Brig Niagara, raise your battle flag and prepare for close action!

Built as a Snow (a square-rigged vessel with two masts, complemented by a snow- or trysail mast stepped immediately behind the main mast) US Brig Niagara was built in 1813 to protect the vulnerable American coastline on Lake Erie from the British.

Niagara became the Flagship of Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie when he transferred his flag from the near out-of-action Lawrence. Having taken command of Niagara he manoeuvred to cross the T of the British line, firing broadsides into three British ships and eventually forcing two and consequently the British fleet, to surrender.