Samuel Hambleton (naval officer)

Samuel Hambleton (1777-1851) was an American naval officer who served in the War of 1812. He was born in Talbot County, Maryland. Hambleton entered the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1799 and served during the Quasi-War with France. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1807.

During the War of 1812, Hambleton served under Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, serving as Perry's first lieutenant aboard the flagship USS Lawrence. When Perry transferred to the USS Niagara after the Lawrence was disabled, Hambleton remained on board and continued to fight until the Lawrence was forced to strike its colors. He was wounded in the battle.

Following the war, Hambleton continued his naval service. He served as the Navy Agent for the Baltimore Naval District for many years. He was also involved in surveying and mapping parts of the United States. He retired from active service in 1842.

Hambleton received a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Battle of Lake Erie. He died in 1851 and is buried in St. Michael's Cemetery in St. Michaels, Maryland. Several geographical features and institutions are named in his honor, including Hambleton, West Virginia.