USS Essex

Year: 1799 AD
Category: Modern
Vessel Type: Warship
Scale: 1/16" = 1 foot
Overall Length: 219 feet

On the successful completion of the War of Independence, the American Navy was disbanded, and it was not until the late 1790's that a regular naval force was reconstructed. Designed by William Hackett, Essex was a medium sized Frigate completed in 1799. She was exceptionally successful in the War of 1812. While she had victories over British warships, she was most noted for her work in devastating the British whaling fleet and in capturing numerous British merchant vessels. Essex was finally defeated and captured off the coast of Chile in 1814.

The Essex was named after the city of Essex, Massachussetts where a private fund drive conducted by its' citizens was able to obtain the funding required to build the warship. They then gave the ship to the young Navy of this new country. Today most cities of any size are interested only in building sports stadiums - and usually at taxpayers' expense.