USS Jefferson (1814)

The USS Jefferson was a brig-rigged warship that served in the United States Navy during the War of 1812. Built at Sackets Harbor, New York, under the supervision of shipbuilder Henry Eckford, she was launched on April 7, 1814. Her construction was part of a significant shipbuilding effort on Lake Ontario aimed at gaining naval superiority on the lake.

Jefferson displaced approximately 570 tons and carried a complement of around 250 officers and men. Her armament consisted primarily of long guns and carronades, typical for warships of the period and size. Specific details of her gun configuration varied, but generally included a mix of long 24-pounder guns and 32-pounder carronades.

Following her launch, the Jefferson played a crucial role in establishing American naval dominance on Lake Ontario. Under the command of Captain Joseph Bainbridge, she participated in several operations and patrols, contributing significantly to the strategic stalemate that ultimately characterized the naval war on the lake. Notably, she was a part of Commodore Isaac Chauncey's squadron.

With the conclusion of the War of 1812, the Jefferson, like many other warships built for the conflict on the Great Lakes, was laid up. She was ultimately sold in 1825, marking the end of her active service in the United States Navy.