Put-in-Bay in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

HMS Detroit: Ship Damaged in Defeat

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 8, 2025

1. HMS Detroit: Ship Damaged in Defeat Marker

Inscription.
Six British Royal Navy ships sailed across Lake Erie to battle US ships at Put-in-Bay. Their goal – to take back control of supply routes across the lake in the War of 1812.

With 19 guns, the HMS Detroit went up against the larger US Brig Lawrence, and came out severely damaged. By the end of September 10, 1813, outgunned and undermanned, British Commander Robert Heriot Barclay surrendered. It was a disastrous defeat for the British.

The engraving on this walkway shows the full length of the Detroit ship deck. Imagine going into battle, knowing the odds were against you.

“The Officers and Men of His Majesty’s late Squadron conducted themselves in the most gallant Manner.”
- Proceedings from British court-martial of Commander Barclay

HMS Detroit
Class and type: Royal George class
      Ship-rigged sloop-of-war
Displacement:    305 tons
Length:     92’-6”
Beam:    26’
Draft:    12’
Complement: 150 Men
Armament: 24-pounder carronade (1)
   18-pounder carronade

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(1)
   18-pounder carronade (1)
   24-pounder carronade (2)
   18-pounder pivot cannon (1)
9-pounder cannons (8)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1813.

Location. 41° 39.28′ N, 82° 48.716′ W. Marker is in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is on Bayview Avenue (Ohio Route 357), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Put in Bay OH 43456, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 8, 2025

2. HMS Detroit: Ship Damaged in Defeat Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: US Brig Lawrence: Ship that Changed the War (within shouting distance of this marker); Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Perry’s Longboat (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Monumental Heights (about 700 feet away); This Life Boat (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Ship-To-Shore Radio Broadcast (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amareta Mosher Anchor (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Put-in-Bay.

More about this marker. The background of the marker contains the painting “Return of the Victors, by Peter J. Rindlisbacher. The US Brig Niagara tows the damaged Detroit into Put-in-Bay after the battle.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 8, 2025

3. HMS Detroit: Ship Damaged in Defeat Marker
The Perry Victory Monument can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 8, 2025

4. Detail on Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 8, 2025

5. Etching of Detroit Ship Deck
As mentioned on the marker, this engraving on the walkway shows the full length of the Detroit ship deck.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 23, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.