Built in Amherstburgh and named for Fort Detroit which had been captured for a brief period of time during the war of 1812, The H.M.S Detroit was the largest warship on the upper Great Lakes at that time, 126 ft. long; a three masted, square rigged British Frigate pierced for 20 cannons and the flagship of The British Fleet on Lake Erie. On September 10th, 1813 she lead the British squadron against the U.S. naval forces in the Battle of Lake Erie. After an unfortunate sequence of events late in the battle she was captured by the Americans. After wintering in Put-In-Bay she was brought to Presque Isle until the declaration of peace, was mothballed with her masts removed and eventually scuttled. After years under the waves she was raised in 1837 and refitted for merchant service. Four years later the now derelict ship was purchased by a group of merchants in Niagara Falls, New York, sent down the Niagara River as a spectacle and political statement and gradually broke up in the river.

As a full size sailing replica, the new H.M.S. Detroit will not only recall the history of her predecessor, but will also engage in activities which will open the world of ships under sail to the public. Visitors will be able to choose their own level of adventure. The new H.M.S. Detroit will offer programs from comprehensive dockside tours, to two hour river cruises, to half -day educational programs for students, to full weekend sail training voyages for youth and adults, and will also be available for chartering by individuals or organizations. This diverse operational profile presents a considerable design challenge for EYE on one hand to maintain the historical accuracy while on the other, meeting current regulatory requirements. The new vessel will take advantage of modern construction techniques and materials and will have the capability to meet diverse operational objectives for years to come.