A commitment to preserve Ohio’s Naval History

Spanning from the War of 1812 to the present day, Ohio has been a crucial player in shaping the rich tapestry of United States naval history.

Photo of the USS Dorthea (Left), Flagship USS Niagara (Center), and the USS Essex (Right).

The War of 1812

The Battle of Lake Erie, fought on September 10, 1813, during the War of 1812, was a pivotal naval engagement between the United States and Great Britain.

USS Essex underway.

USS Essex (1876 – 1920)

The USS Essex (1876) was a steam-powered sloop-of-war in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1876, it played a significant role in various naval operations and training exercises during its service, and was loaned to the Ohio Naval Militia in the early 1900s.

“We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

10 September 1813