Capture of the "Ohio" and "Somers"
Text from the plaque
On the night of 12 August 1814, as a prelude to a British attack on Fort Erie, an expedition was mounted against three armed American schooners anchored off the fort. Captain Alexander Dobbs, R.N., embarked with 70 seamen and marines in six bateaux which had been portaged from Frenchman's Creek, and by a ruse got close enough to cut the hawsers and board and capture the OHIO and SOMERS. The third vessel, PORCUPINE, escaped. Dobbs' victory was the last naval action fought on the Great Lakes in the War of 1812.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
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The Region of Niagara
The Town of Fort Erie
To the right of the gate inside the parade square of Fort Erie
Also recorded for this place: The Region of Niagara
N 42 53.593 W 78 55.419
Recorded November 2009. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
August 15, 2014
This week marks the bicentennial of this daring capture. The inscription calls it "the last naval action" on the Great Lakes in the War of 1812. Yet two days later, HMS Nancy was attacked in an engagement that involved three US warships (Battle of Nottawasaga Bay). And on Sept. 3 and 5, 1814, the Tigress and Scorpion were captured by the British, the latter vessel after "a sharp fight". See the related pages on this website. Wayne