by Ulrich Guenther
Member since 12-Feb-1994
Build Type: Kit→ Model Shipways
Country: United States
Era: 1700-1815
Length Range: 125-200 feet (38-61m)
Model Material: Wood
Model Type: Static
Propulsion Type: Impeller→ Sail
Scale: 1:154 (5/64″ = 1′)
Subject Type: Vessel→ Naval and Privateer→ Wooden Navy→ Frigate
About the Ship
Essex was a frigate design by William Hackett and built by Enos Brigg (Salem, Massachusetts) for the United States Navy. She performed convoy duty during the Quasi-War with France, convoy and blockade duty during the First Barbary War, and saw combat action in the War of 1812.
During the war of 1812 she took 10 prizes in the Atlantic and 12 more in the Pacific, the latter all whalers. However, while attempting to escape the port of Valparaíso she lost her main top-mast and was forced into action against the British frigate HMS Phoebe and the sloop-of-war HMS Cherub. She was engaged at a range from which she could not effectively reply and after 2-1⁄2 hours her captain was forced to surrender.
Model Image
Links
- Model of USS Essex by HRSMS member Gene Andes
- Model of USS Essex by HRSMS member Stewart Winn
- National Museum of the U.S. Navy
- Wikipedia