zaro

What happened to the HMS Resolute?

Published in Maritime History 3 mins read

The HMS Resolute was an Arctic discovery vessel that was abandoned in the ice in 1855, later salvaged by an American whaling ship, returned to the United Kingdom, and ultimately broken up in 1879. Her unique journey from abandonment to a symbol of Anglo-American friendship marks a significant chapter in maritime history.

The Journey and Fate of HMS Resolute

Originally a civilian ship named Ptarmigan, this vessel was acquired by the British Admiralty in 1850. Initially renamed HMS Refuge, she was swiftly given her more enduring name, HMS Resolute, later in the same year. She served primarily as a discovery vessel, designed to navigate the challenging conditions of the Arctic.

Abandonment in the Arctic

During an expedition in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, HMS Resolute became trapped in ice. Due to the severe conditions and the strategic decision to consolidate resources, the crew was forced to abandon her in the Arctic in 1855. This act of abandonment was a common, albeit unfortunate, outcome for many ships undertaking Arctic exploration during that era, highlighting the perilous nature of such voyages.

Salvage and Diplomatic Return

Miraculously, after being left for lost, HMS Resolute was discovered and salvaged by an American whaling ship, the George Henry, in 1856. The ship had drifted over 1,000 miles from where she was abandoned. Recognizing the vessel's significance and as a gesture of goodwill, the American government purchased the ship from the salvagers and undertook its extensive repair. She was then sailed back across the Atlantic and formally returned to the United Kingdom in 1856. This act of international camaraderie fostered positive diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Final Disposition

After her return and a period of service, the HMS Resolute's active life concluded. She was finally broken up in 1879. However, her legacy lived on, most notably through the creation of several "Resolute Desks," crafted from her timbers. The most famous of these, the Resolute Desk, was presented by Queen Victoria to U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes and remains in use in the Oval Office of the White House.

Key Milestones of HMS Resolute

Year Event Description
1850 Purchased & Renamed Civilian ship Ptarmigan acquired, initially named HMS Refuge, then HMS Resolute
1855 Abandoned in Arctic Left behind by crew during an Arctic expedition
1856 Salvaged by Americans & Returned Discovered by a US whaling ship, purchased by the US government, and returned to the UK
1879 Broken Up The ship was decommissioned and dismantled