The HMS Sylph with the HMS Maidstone close behind by B. J. Phillips
The H.M.S. Sylph was constructed in Bermuda in 1812, but was not the first ship to have the name Sylph. Although rated an '18' (based on the number of cannons aboard a traditional sloop-of-war) she was actually armed with sixteen 24-pounder carronades, two long 12-pounders and two 12-pound carronades.
During the months of June and July 1814 the Sylph was extensively active in the interruption of commerce and the capture or destruction of merchant vessels on Long Island Sound. On May 11th the Sylph captured the merchant sloop Grace and took her cargo of iron and dismantled her for fuel. On the 18th the Sylph along with the Frigate H.M.S. Maidstone fired upon a Swedish vessel prior to joining the remainder of the British squadron in blockading the Sound. The blockade, in addition to the Sylph and Maidstone, included the H.M.S. Bulwark and Nimrod. On May 25th the Sylph and Maidstone were engaged in a battle with about a dozen small gunboats under the command of Commodore Lewis. After a three hour battle the American gunboats succeeded in their task of allowing a large contingent of small merchant packets and coasters to pass unmolested past the British warships. At the conclusion of the battle two 74 gun British ships arrived on site and the American forces retreated towards Guilford. The Sylph continued throughout June to make trouble on the Sound. She joined the Maidstone and Belvidera, another frigate, along with the La Hogue, one of the 74 gun ships that had arrived in the Sound in attacking more and more vessels.
In early June the Sloop Nancy was located along near Northville, Long Island when the British arrived, attempting to land marines to destroy the vessel. They were beaten off by the local militia under Capt. John Terry who shot at the marines from the bluffs. Soon after the Sylph arrived and bombarded the cliffs with cannon fire. She was joined by another ship, likely the Maidstone, and together they attempted to drive off the American militia and take the ship, but in the end were unable to capture the Nancy.
The HMS Sylph from a Model—Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England
On June 23, 1814 an early submarine, called the "torpedoe boat" was forced ashore near Horton Point, Southold after her line was cut in an effort to save a man who went overboard. The boat arrived on shore and over the course of the next few days her crew tried to get her off the beach. In the meantime, word was received by the Sylph and Maidstone of the boats arrival and they set course for her. On Sunday, June 26th, 1814 the Sylph and Maidstone arrived off of Horton Point and launched several small barges (or skiffs) with armed men intent on destroying the "torpedoe boat." Several members of the Sag Harbor militia who were present fired upon the British, who took at least four men either killed or wounded. The militia was forced to retreat and the British succeeded in landing on the Beach and burning the "torpedoe boat." The boat was one of the earliest forms of submarine to be engaged in naval battles.
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NEW EXHIBITS
Special Exhibits at Southold Historical Museum
Come explore the exhibits at Southold Historical Museum’s Maple Lane Complex and Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse.
The Roaring 20s: A Decade of Change
This exhibit explores local living 100 years ago, including the temperance movement, rum-running and speakeasies as well as lifestyle changes. People, disillusioned with conservative traditions and by the horrors of the past war, drove fast cars, wore fashionable clothes and cosmetics, partied, danced the Charleston, drank alcohol despite Prohibition, and added many slang terms to the language. Individualism and Consumerism developed at this time.
Located at the Ann Currie-Bell house at the Maple Lane Complex.
Quilt Display
These quilts highlight the extensive textile collection of the museum. In addition to a quilt that was sewn during the Civil War era, there is a quilt to support the temperance movement as well as one by skilled milliner, Frank Davis Smith of Peconic. Smith was born on March 21, 1862, in Peconic, New York, to Joshua (1824 -1887) and Lucinda Terry (1829-1925). He married Minnie Esther Terry on August 2, 1900, in Southold, NY. Frank owned a millinery shop in Peconic. This quilt, made from silk and velvet scraps of his hat fabrics, was hand pieced by him shortly before his death at age 80.
Located at the Ann Currie-Bell house at the Maple Lane Complex.
Enslavement in Southold
The reinterpretation of the permanent “Enslavement in Southold” exhibit examines the institution of slavery in Southold and identifies five people who are documented as being enslaved by the Landon Family in the mid to late 1700s. The reinterpretation involved integrating the narrative of the enslaved people within the daily lives of the family. Additionally, the entry way to the house is now being used as the exhibit space, so that the remaining house is set up for historic house tours.
Located in the Thomas Moore/Samuel Landon house at the Maple Lane Complex.
Dead Man’s Cove: Shipwrecks off Horton Point Lighthouse
“Dead Man’s Cove: Shipwrecks off Horton Point Lighthouse” explores the history of the treacherous waters just beyond Horton Point that necessitated the building of the lighthouse there. The sand bars and large boulders have led to a number of shipwrecks over the years. Curated by volunteer Ben Gonzalez with assistance from Amy Folk, museum collections manager.
Located at the Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse.
Tips from a Colonial Laundry
The former buttery, which accompanied the Ann Currie Bell House, has been converted to a “Colonial Wash House.” Visitors can imagine how laundry would have been done during the late 1700s.
Located on the grounds of the Maple Lane Complex.
Colonial Herb Garden
The Colonial Herb Garden has been updated to include interactive labels to identify and explore the various herbs. By scanning the QR codes with a smartphone, visitors can learn about the various uses of the herb throughout history.
Located on the grounds of the Maple Lane Complex.
Reichert Family Barn Sleighs and Carriages
The Reichert Family Barn has new interpretive labels that offer names and uses of various artifacts that are on exhibit throughout the barn. The extensive sleigh collection, which is exhibited on the upper bays are now easier to identify, as well as the carriages that are on display throughout the barn and annex.
Located on the grounds of the Maple Lane Complex.
The new outdoor interpretive signs at the Maple Lane Complex, funded by a grant through Suffolk County Parks, help visitors learn more about the numerous buildings as they walk the beautiful grounds. These signs offer some basic information about the historic buildings, including some historic photographs.
There is a suggested admission of $5 per adult and $10 per family which includes admission to both locations.
Maple Lane Complex
55200 Main Rd., Southold
Hours: Sat. and Sun. from 1- 4pm through September 12.
Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse
3575 Lighthouse Rd., Southold
Hours; Sat. and Sun from 11:30 - 4pm.
Parking is available at Horton Point Lighthouse for a fee through the Southold Park District.
Street parking is with a Southold Town Permit only. The Lighthouse Tower is temporarily closed.