The U.S. Brig Niagara departed Maine at daybreak Saturday, embarking on a 2,000-nautical-mile journey to its Erie homeport following a year-long, $6.9 million restoration at Bristol Marine’s Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor.
The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the Erie Maritime Museum for a homecoming celebration July 2-5, timed to coincide with Independence Day weekend and Pennsylvania’s America 250 festivities.
The historic flagship is traveling the North Atlantic Ocean and the St. Lawrence Seaway under motor power during the multi-week transit. Officials chose to motor rather than sail to allow more time for critical repairs and systems updates at the shipyard. The ship’s sails and traditional 19th-century rigging will be assembled dockside in Erie after the July 4 celebrations, allowing community members and visitors to watch the complex process…