USS Montgomery
Frigate · United States · Lost 1777 · Hudson River
A never-fully-finished Continental Navy frigate, burned by her own side in the Hudson Highlands rather than let the British take her.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Montgomery was one of thirteen frigates ordered by the Continental Congress and was built at Poughkeepsie, New York, launching in late 1776. The closing of the lower Hudson by British forces prevented her from ever being fully outfitted for sea. On 6 October 1777, as the British stormed Forts Clinton and Montgomery in the Hudson Highlands, her crew set her ablaze to keep her from falling into enemy hands.
Vessel
- 1776
- Lancaster Burling
- Poughkeepsie, New York
- Wood
- 119 ft
- 32 ft
- 563
- Sail
- Continental Navy
Loss
- October 6, 1777
- Intentional sinking
- Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands, above Forts Clinton and Montgomery
- Hudson River
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Position not established
- Fort Montgomery, Hudson Highlands, New York
General location tied to the Hudson Highlands battle; no confirmed wreck position is published.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (55/100)
The exact point on the river where Montgomery was burned and any surviving remains are not established in the sources reviewed.
Naval History and Heritage Command, Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Build details, launch, and fate.
Sea History magazine (National Maritime Historical Society)
Context on the joint loss of Congress and Montgomery during the 1777 Hudson Highlands campaign.
