H.M.S. Detroit

The last ship to be built at the Navy Yard in Amherstburg was the H.M.S. Detroit. It was named in honour of the capture of Fort Detroit. The ship had been started in January of 1813. Unfortunately, there was a lack of critical supplies and skilled builders to work on the ship. The sails, ropes and much other equipment being sent to Amherstburg were destroyed when the Americans captured and burned York on April 27, 1813.

When the Americans launched their fleet from Presque Isle at the beginning of August they took control of the lake. The Americans had cut the British supply lines. Colonel Procter and Commander Barclay knew that they had to do something. The guns from Fort Malden were put on board the Detroit. Sails and other equipment were taken from the other boats. The Detroit was ready by the end of August, but Barclay had no sailors to man it. When he received about 40 men on Sept. 6, he decided that he had to act. With about 240 soldiers from the 41st Regiment and 60 from the Royal Newfoundlanders to help man the fleet, he sailed out of Amherstburg on Sept. 9. The H.M.S. Detroit was captured by the Americans at the Battle of Lake Erie the next day.

See more: The re-building project.