ship record

United States Navy · Frigate

USS Chesapeake

Frigate tied to two maritime crises

Chesapeake was fired upon by Leopard in 1807 and captured by Shannon in 1813 after a short, bloody action.

Why this record matters

One hull connects the prewar sovereignty crisis to the war’s reversal of early American frigate triumphs.

Follow the evidence

Evidence behind this record

  1. Records About Impressed Seamen, 1793–1814National Archives · archival collection

    Protection certificates and records of maritime identity.

  2. War of 1812Naval History and Heritage Command · naval history

    Atlantic, lake, Chesapeake, and Pacific naval operations.