U.S.S. NIAGARA
Also known as: Flagship Niagara
Why it's listed
Built at Erie in the spring and summer of 1813 under difficult conditions, the brig Niagara was one of six ships constructed there to challenge a British naval force on Lake Erie. Erie's isolation required importing craftsmen and materials from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania towns, and the timber was cut and squared by hand. Daniel Dobbins, a Great Lakes shipmaster who was not a shipbuilder, organized the work until experienced designers arrived. The Niagara served as the flagship line-of-battle ship under Commander Oliver Hazard Perry, who transferred to it after his flagship Lawrence was dismasted. Commanded by Jesse D. Elliot, the Niagara brought the fleet into the line and helped secure the American victory on 10 September 1813. The ship sank in Misery Bay after falling into decay, was raised in 1913 for the battle's centennial, and was restored in 1963 with new rigging and reconstructed fittings.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the ship is significant as the flagship of Oliver Hazard Perry at the battle of Lake Erie on 10 September 1813, a key engagement in American naval history. Its reconstruction gives visitors a clear picture of one of the important ships in that battle.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 73001628, listed April 11, 1973. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | State St. at Lake Erie, Erie |
|---|---|
| County | Erie County |
| Listed | April 11, 1973 |
| Reference number | 73001628 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1812-1813 |
| Architect / builder | Daniel Dobbins (organized and directed the construction) |
| Areas of significance | Military, Maritime History |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Restored in 1963; raised from Misery Bay in 1913; reconstructed and moved from original site |
| Acreage | 1.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.13531, -80.08950 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 73001628.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7872265
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.