Identification & Site Information

  • Name: HMS Sauk
  • Former Names: USS Ohio; originally a merchant Schooner
  • Registration Number(s): Not located in available records
  • Date Built and Launched: Circa early 1810s (exact build date unknown)
  • Measurements:
    • Tonnage: 87 tons
    • Estimated Length: Not explicitly recorded, comparable to vessels of similar tonnage (~60–70 ft / 18–21 m)
  • Date Lost: Not recorded as lost; placed into reserve post-war
  • Location Lost: Not applicable

Vessel Type

Schooner

Description

Originally built as a merchant vessel and later taken into U.S. Navy service as the USS Ohio, this Schooner was captured by British forces during the War of 1812. After her capture on August 12, 1814, she was renamed HMS Sauk and integrated into the Royal Navy’s inland squadron on the Great Lakes. The name “Sauk” honours the Sauk people, Indigenous allies of the British during the war.

History

The USS Ohio served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, likely engaged in support and patrol roles in conjunction with other naval assets on Lake Erie. During a British raid led by Captain Alexander Dobbs near Fort Erie in August 1814, both the Ohio and Somers were captured. Following her capture, Ohio was recommissioned as HMS Sauk.

HMS Sauk was stationed at the newly established Grand River Naval Depot (Port Maitland, Ontario) where she, along with other vessels such as HMS Huron, HMS Tecumseth, and HMS Newash, supported the British naval presence and logistics across the Great Lakes. She was primarily used as a transport ship, moving men and supplies between posts, especially during the post-war transition.

Final Disposition

With the signing of the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817, which significantly demilitarized naval forces on the Great Lakes, the Sauk was placed into “ordinary” at the Grand River Naval Depot. This status entailed removal of her guns, masts, and rigging, though her Hull remained intact and maintained for potential future use.

The depot continued operations into the 1830s, after which all such naval activities were drawn down, and vessels in ordinary like Sauk were either scrapped, sold, or left to decay. No specific records indicate the final fate of the Sauk.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There are no confirmed discoveries or surveys identifying the remains of HMS Sauk.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No navigational warnings or maritime advisories are associated with this vessel.

Resources & Links

Conclusio

HMS Sauk represents one of the many vessels that changed hands during the intense naval conflicts of the War of 1812. Her role following capture underlines the adaptability of the British forces and their strategic use of captured resources. Though she never saw major battle under British command, Sauk contributed to the infrastructure that maintained British presence on the Great Lakes. Her eventual disappearance into the administrative annals of post-war demilitarization marks a quiet end to a vessel that once represented American resistance and later, British control.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: HMS Sauk, USS Ohio, War of 1812, Grand River Naval Depot, British Navy, captured ships

Categories: War of 1812 Naval Vessels, Great Lakes History, Post-war Demilitarization

Glossary Terms:

  • Schooner: A sailing vessel commonly used for cargo and patrol due to its speed and versatility.
  • In Ordinary: A naval term for ships taken out of active service but maintained for readiness.
  • Rush-Bagot Agreement: A post-War of 1812 treaty that restricted naval presence on the Great Lakes.