The Battle of Lake Erie
Artist/maker unknown, American
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1840Medium:
Oil on panelDimensions:
22 3/4 x 35 3/8 inches (57.8 x 89.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1973-258-4Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1973
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1840Medium:
Oil on panelDimensions:
22 3/4 x 35 3/8 inches (57.8 x 89.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1973-258-4Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1973
Social Tags [?]
nhd 1815 to 1860 events [x] nhd 1815 to 1860 maritime [x] war [x]One of the most important naval actions of the War of 1812, the battle of Lake Erie took place September 10, 1813, when a squadron of British ships attempted to block the port of Erie, Pennsylvania. In this painting the engagement is still in its early stages, with the British Detroit having severely damaged the American flagship, the USS Lawrence. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and his few surviving crew members transferred to the Niagara (seen at right) and soon after sailed directly into the British battle line, forcing them to surrender. The words "Don't give up the ship" inscribed on the flag atop the sinking Lawrence were a rallying cry inspired by the dying words of American Captain James Lawrence, who had been killed earlier in 1813.
