USS Enterprise (1775) facts for kids
class="infobox " style="float: right; clear: right; width: 315px; border-spacing: 2px; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
|} The USS Enterprise was a special warship called a sloop-of-war. It sailed on Lake Champlain during the American Revolutionary War. This ship was the very first of many famous American ships named Enterprise. It played an important role in early battles.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | Enterprise |
| Operator | Continental Army |
| Acquired | Captured 18 May 1775 (as George) |
| Fate | Burned to prevent capture, 7 July 1777 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sloop-of-war |
| Tonnage | 70 |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Sloop |
| Complement | 50 officers and enlisted |
| Armament |
|
| Service record | |
| Commanders: | Col. Benedict Arnold |
| Operations: | |
The Enterprise Story
Captured and Renamed
The Enterprise wasn't always called that. It was first a British supply ship named George. It was built in St. Johns, Quebec, which is now Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada.
In May 1775, a small American force attacked St. Johns. This group was led by Colonel Benedict Arnold. They sailed on another captured ship, the Liberty. On May 18, Arnold and 35 raiders captured the fort and shipyards at St. Johns. They took the newly built George without any fighting. Another ship, the Royal Savage, was also at the shipyard. The Americans captured it later.
Two hours after the raid, Arnold's group left with the captured sloop. This ship was later armed with 12 guns and renamed Enterprise.
Protecting Lake Champlain
The Enterprise quickly became the most important warship on Lake Champlain. It helped the Americans control the lake early in the war. Sometimes, it even served as Colonel Arnold's main ship. Controlling Lake Champlain and the Hudson River was very important. If the British controlled these waterways, they could cut off supplies to the American colonies. They could also attack Albany.
On August 28, 1775, the Enterprise joined other ships. They carried over 1,000 troops for an attack on St. Johns, Montreal, and Quebec. The Americans captured St. Johns and Montreal. They also surrounded Quebec City. However, strong British forces arrived, and the Americans had to leave Canada in the spring of 1776.
The Enterprise and other ships sailed to Île aux Noix. They waited there while Arnold built more ships. These new ships were built at Fort Ticonderoga and Skenesboro (now Whitehall).
The Battle of Valcour Island
A big battle happened on October 11, 1776, near Valcour Island in Plattsburgh, New York. Colonel Arnold chose this spot. The American fleet had much less firepower than the British. By nightfall, many of Arnold's ships were sunk or badly damaged.
However, Arnold was clever. He managed to sneak his remaining ships past the British fleet that night. The Enterprise was among these ships. They sailed towards Fort Crown Point. Over the next two days, there was a running battle. All but five American ships were lost. The Enterprise and four others escaped to Crown Point. Then, they sailed safely to Ticonderoga.
Why the Battle Was Important
Even though the Americans lost many ships, the Battle of Valcour Island was a big win for them. Arnold and his small fleet stopped the British invasion into New York. The British could not continue their attack before winter arrived. This gave the Americans almost a year to get ready. During this time, American troops were recruited and trained.
On October 17, 1777, American forces under General Horatio Gates defeated the British. This happened at Saratoga, New York. This victory was very important. It helped bring about an alliance with France. This meant the powerful French navy would help the American colonies.
The End of the Enterprise
Before the Battle of Saratoga, the British advanced again. The Enterprise was one of five ships helping to move supplies and troops from Ticonderoga. The small American force was no match for the British fleet on Lake Champlain. After two American ships were captured, the Enterprise and two others were run aground. This happened on July 7, 1777. They were then burned to stop the British from capturing them.
See also
- List of ships of the United States Navy named Enterprise
