Monday, June 1, 2026

Question: Which ship did Oliver Hazard Perry transfer to during the Battle of Lake Erie, taking his “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag with him?

Answer: The USS Niagara. During the battle near Put-in-Bay, U.S. naval forces under Perry fought the British Royal Navy, commanded by Robert H. Barclay. After Perry’s flagship, the USS Lawrence, was disabled, he transferred his flag to the Niagara and led the Americans to a decisive victory, securing U.S. control of Lake Erie for the rest of the War of 1812 and forcing the British to abandon Fort Detroit.