USS President (1812) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | President |
| Acquired | 1812 |
| Fate | Captured 1814 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | 12-Gun sloop |
| Armament | 6 × 18-pounder columbiad guns and 4 × 12-pounder long guns |
The USS President was a small but important 12-gun sloop (a type of sailing ship). She was the second ship in the United States Navy to be named President. This ship played a role in the War of 1812, especially on Lake Champlain.
Contents
What Was the USS President?
The USS President was a 12-gun sloop. A sloop is a sailing ship with a single mast. This ship was smaller than many warships of its time. We don't know who built her or her exact size.
The US War Department bought the President in 1812. This happened on Lake Champlain, a large lake between New York and Vermont. Soon after, the ship was given to the US Navy.
Why Was the President Important?
The President joined other ships the US had bought or built. Together, these ships helped the Americans control Lake Champlain. This control was very important during the War of 1812. It helped protect the US border with Canada.
Two Ships Named President?
It might sound confusing, but there were actually two US Navy ships named President at the same time during the War of 1812! The other ship was a much larger frigate (a bigger warship). The 12-gun sloop President served separately from the frigate.
The Fate of the USS President
In 1814, the USS President was captured. The Royal Navy (the British navy) took control of her. After being captured, the British renamed the ship. She became known as HMS Icicle and continued to serve under the British flag.
