USS Essex (1799)

USS Essex (1799)

First Barbary War

• Battle of Derne
  

War of 1812

• USS Essex vs HMS Alert
• Action off George Island
• Battle of Valaparaiso

The first USS Essex of the United States Navy was a 36-gun or 32-gun sailing frigate that participated in the Quasi-War with France, the First Barbary War, and in the War of 1812, during which she was captured by the British in 1814 and served as HMS Essex until sold at public auction on 6 June 1837.

The frigate was launched on 30 September 1799 by Enos Briggs, Salem, Massachusetts, at a cost of $139,362 subscribed by the people of Salem and Essex County. On 17 December 1799 she was presented to the United States Navy and accepted by Captain Edward Preble.