The First USS Enterprise: America’s Revolutionary War Sloop
Introduction
The name Enterprise has a long and storied history in the United States Navy, but its origins trace back to the beginning of American independence. The first Enterprise, a small sloop-of-war, played a crucial role in the early days of the Revolutionary War. This article delves into the history of this pioneering vessel, exploring its capture, service, and ultimate fate.
From British George to American Enterprise: A Fortuitous Capture
The ship that would become the first Enterprise began its life as a British supply sloop named George. Built at St. Johns (now Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu) in Quebec, Canada, it was captured by American forces on May 18, 1775. Colonel Benedict Arnold, who would later gain infamy as a traitor, led the raid on Fort St. Johns near the Canadian border that resulted in the vessel’s seizure.
Transformation into a Warship
After its capture, the Americans wasted no time in using the ship for their cause. They renamed it Enterprise and armed it with 12 guns, transforming the former supply vessel into a small but capable warship. With a tonnage of 70 and sloop rigging, Enterprise was classified as a sloop-of-war, a common type of small warship in the 18th century.
The Enterprise in Action
Lake Champlain Operations
Enterprise found its primary theater of operations on Lake Champlain, a strategically critical waterway during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. As part of the Continental Army’s naval squadron on the lake, Enterprise was vital in maintaining American control of this important region.
The Invasion of Canada
In 1775, Enterprise participated in the American invasion of Canada. The ship supported operations against British strongholds at St. Johns, Montreal, and Quebec. These actions demonstrated the versatility and importance of naval power in the conflict, even on inland waterways.
Battle of Valcour Island
One of Enterprise’s most significant engagements was the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776. As part of Benedict Arnold’s fleet, Enterprise faced off against superior British forces. Although the battle ended in a tactical defeat for the Americans, it achieved a strategic victory by delaying the British invasion into New York.
The Enterprise’s Crew and Command
Enterprise had a complement of 50 officers and enlisted men, a sizeable crew for a vessel of its size. This reflected the ship’s importance and the intensive nature of naval operations. Colonel Benedict Arnold occasionally used Enterprise as his flagship, highlighting the vessel’s significance in the American naval efforts on Lake Champlain. Arnold’s early heroic actions aboard Enterprise starkly contrast to his later betrayal of the American cause.
The Final Voyage: Evacuation and Sacrifice
As the tide of war shifted in the northern theater, Enterprise was assigned to convoy duty, helping to evacuate American forces from Fort Ticonderoga. This critical mission ensured that valuable troops and supplies didn’t fall into British hands.
A Fiery End
On July 7, 1777, with British forces advancing, the Americans decided to prevent Enterprise from being captured. The ship was intentionally run aground and set ablaze, denying the enemy a valuable prize and embodying the determination of the Revolutionary cause.
Legacy and Impact
Strategic Significance
Though Enterprise’s service was brief, its actions contributed significantly to the strategic defense of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River valley. These regions were critical to the American cause, and the delay of British operations in the area played a role in the eventual American victory at Saratoga in 1777.
A Name That Endured
The first Enterprise launched a legacy spanning centuries of American naval history. Subsequent ships bearing the name would go on to serve with distinction in conflicts ranging from the Barbary Wars to World War II and beyond.
The Improvised Navy
Enterprise’s story exemplifies the improvised nature of early American naval operations during the Revolutionary War. The capture and repurposing of enemy vessels was a common practice, born of necessity in the face of limited resources.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate Enterprise’s significance, it’s crucial to understand the broader context of naval warfare during the American Revolution. The Continental Navy was in its infancy, with limited resources and experience. Control of waterways was critical for troop movements and supply lines. Small vessels like Enterprise could operate effectively in inland waters and coastal areas. Naval actions often supported land-based campaigns, as seen in the Lake Champlain theater.
A Ship of Many Firsts
Enterprise holds several distinctions in American naval history:
- It was the first of many U.S. Navy ships to bear the name Enterprise.
- The ship was one of the earliest captured vessels to be repurposed for the American cause.
- Enterprise played a role in one of the first significant naval engagements of the Revolutionary War on Lake Champlain.
Lessons from the First Enterprise
The story of the first Enterprise offers several insights into naval warfare and American history:
- The importance of adaptability in warfare
- The strategic value of inland waterways
- The role of naval power in supporting land campaigns
- The sacrifice sometimes required in the pursuit of a greater cause
The Enterprise’s Place in History
While the first Enterprise may not have the fame of later vessels bearing the name, its contributions to the American Revolution were significant. The ship’s brief but impactful service helped set the stage for American independence and established a tradition of naval excellence.
A Legacy Launched
The burning of the first Enterprise in 1777 was not an end, but a beginning. It marked the start of a lineage that would see the name Enterprise synonymous with American naval power and innovation. From the Age of Sail to the Nuclear Age, the spirit of that first small sloop has lived on, inspiring generations of sailors and serving as a symbol of American determination and ingenuity.
