USS Providence
Sloop-Of-War · United States · Lost 1779 · Cape Ann & the Gulf of Maine
A storied Continental Navy sloop once commanded by John Paul Jones, destroyed by her own crew in the Penobscot River after the 1779 expedition collapsed.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Originally the Rhode Island sloop Katy, Providence was taken into the Continental Navy in 1775 and served under commanders including John Paul Jones and John Paul Jones's successors during raids on Nova Scotia and in the Battle of Nassau. In 1779 she took part in the Penobscot Expedition against the British post at Majabigwaduce. When the fleet was trapped by a relieving British squadron, her crew destroyed her in the Penobscot River rather than surrender the ship.
Vessel
- 1768
- Not established
- Providence, Rhode Island (built for John Brown)
- Wood
- 65 ft
- 20 ft
- Not established
- Sail
- Rhode Island State Navy, later Continental Navy
Loss
- August 14, 1779
- Intentional sinking
- Penobscot River, Maine
- Penobscot River
- Boston, Massachusetts → Majabigwaduce (Castine), Maine
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Hoysteed Hacker
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Position not established
- Penobscot River, Maine
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)
The exact site and condition of the wreck in the Penobscot River are not established in the sources reviewed.
Wikipedia, citing Naval History and Heritage Command records
Build, service history, and fate
U.S. Naval War College Review, 'An American Naval Expedition to Penobscot, 1779'
Expedition and loss narrative
