Shannon and Chesapeake (vessels) National Historic Event

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Shannon and Chesapeake (vessels) © Expired
Shannon and Chesapeake (vessels)
© Expired
Shannon and Chesapeake (vessels) © ExpiredShannon and Chesapeake (vessels) © Expired
Address : Halifax, Nova Scotia

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1925-05-15

Other Name(s):
  • Shannon and Chesapeake (vessels)  (Designation Name)

Importance: War of 1812, capture of USS Chesapeake in 1813 an important British victory

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: 1927-on Admiralty House grounds, relocated 1965-Point Pleasant Park Halifax, Nova Scotia

Confidence in the British navy faltered early in the War of 1812 when American vessels won several single-ship engagements. This pattern was broken on June 1, 1813 when HMS SHANNON, commanded by Captain Philip Broke, closed with USS CHESAPEAKE under Captain James Lawrence off Boston harbour. The latter was taken in a short and bloody fight and brought into Halifax by her captor on June 6. This engagement was long considered a naval classic. It marked a change in British fortunes in the war at sea and vindicated Broke's insistence on gunnery training, neglected by the navy since Trafalgar.