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The Niagara was built quickly and launched in 1813 as a
relief flagship in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of
1812 for Commodore Oliver Perry. After much success, Perry
regained control of the upper Great Lakes from the British. The
Niagara was scuttled in Presque Isle Bay in 1820 for
preservation and was raised and rebuilt in 1913 to become a
museum ship. She was rebuilt again in 1933 and 1988.
Today the US Brig Niagara calls Lake Erie, PA, home and is just yards
from the Erie Maritime Museum where she serves as the flagship of the
Niagara Fleet and as an exhibit of the museum. She is a Sailing School
Vessel which is sailed each summer and is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The ship meets modern Coast Guard regulations while
maintaining the look and feel of the original vessel. At 198 feet long
overall she flies a US flag from the War of 1812 era, the PA state flag and
Perry's "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag.
This ornament is a wonderful keepsake to remember your visit
to this historic ship and museum - and a great gift for every
veteran and history buff.
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