Loriot (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | brig |
| Propulsion | sail |
The Loriot was an American sailing ship that explored the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. This type of ship, called a brig, was important in the 1830s. It helped a special United States expedition explore new lands. The Loriot also carried people who wanted to bring more farm animals to the Willamette Valley in what is now Oregon.
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Early Voyages of the Loriot
In the early 1830s, the Loriot was a trading ship. It sailed between the Hawaiian Islands (then called the Sandwich Islands) and California. A man named Alpheus Basil Thompson owned the ship during this time. The Loriot first arrived in the Hawaiian Islands around 1833. Its captain at that time was Captain Nye, who came from Boston.
Exploring the Northwest Coast
On November 24, 1836, the Loriot began an important journey. It sailed from the Hawaiian Islands toward the Columbia River. On board was Lieutenant William A. Slacum of the U.S. Navy.
President Jackson's Mission
Earlier in 1836, President Andrew Jackson sent Lieutenant Slacum on a special mission. He was to travel to the west coast of North America. His job was to look at important bays and rivers. These included San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound, and the mouth of the Columbia River. The President wanted to know how useful these places would be for the United States. Slacum also needed to study the economy of the region.
Arrival in Oregon Country
The Loriot, led by Captain Bancroft, reached the Columbia River on December 22, 1836. While in the Oregon Country, Lieutenant Slacum made an offer to some settlers. He offered to take them to California on the Loriot. Their goal was to buy cattle and then bring them back north to Oregon.
The Willamette Cattle Company
On February 10, 1837, the ship left the Columbia River. It sailed toward California with Ewing Young and other members of the Willamette Cattle Company. This company was formed to increase the number of livestock in the Willamette Valley settlements. The ship and its passengers arrived at the Russian settlement of Bodega on February 20, 1837. The pioneers got off the ship there. Lieutenant Slacum then continued his mission.
A Small Diplomatic Issue
During its journey in 1836, the Loriot was involved in a small problem with Russia. This problem was about lands that Russia claimed in America. The ship tried to land in Alexander Archipelago at Tuckessan harbor. However, Russian officials would not let them. They told the captain to leave their waters. This event caused a minor "diplomatic incident," which means a small disagreement between two countries.
