See what makes Put-in-Bay such a fun port of call for the entire family as we welcome the US Brig Niagara for the Annual Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration. The Niagara’s visit is sponsored by the Put-in-Bay Jet Express, Lake Erie Shores & Islands and the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce. This year the Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration will be held the third weekend of June and will encompass the visit of the US Brig Niagara as well as Put-in-Bay’s Annual Pyrate Fest, and educational and public service programs. The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Maritime event in partnership with the Perry Group, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum, and Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.
The Niagara is scheduled to arrive on Friday, weather permitting, and will offer dockside tours on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at Foxs Dock where Niagara is berthed. Tickets are available for a Day Sail aboard Niagara, from 1pm to 5pm on Monday. Tickets are $100 per person. This is a hands on sail experience for ages 12 yrs and up.
Put-in-Bay has plenty of lodging for those who wish to stay overnight and enjoy more of their island time. Find a Put-in-Bay hotel room, or maybe a rental home or condo to spend the night.
A Short and Sweet History of The Brig Niagara
The U.S. Brig Niagara was built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She is a reconstruction and near replica of the original Niagara that was part of the fleet of U.S. ships commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
On Sept. 10, 1813, Commodore Perry was in command of the embattled U.S. Brig Lawrence at the beginning of the battle. Once the Lawrence could no longer fight, undeterred and determined to win this key battle for the United States, Perry transferred by a longboat to the U.S. Brig Niagara. Perry took command of Niagara and defeated the British. Winning the battle was a turning point in the War of 1812.
The impressive square-rigged Niagara, with her two masts and miles of rope and rigging visits many maritime festivals. She is the largest ship based in the Great Lakes and stays true to her mission of sharing her moment in history. Visitors to the ship will see how today’s crew live like the sailors in the early 18th century – hammocks are used for sleeping; the ceilings are so low down below you can only walk through bent over, and the real cannons on deck are used for demonstration purposes.
About the U.S. Brig Niagara
- Flag: United States
- Home port: Erie, Pa.
- Sparred length: 198 feet
- Total sail: 15 sails for 12,665 square feet
- Rig height: 120 feet
- Gross registered tonnage: 163