Caledonia was built in Malden in Upper Canada for the North West Company, and launched in 1807.

Both had been transporting troops and materials eastwards, but Caledonia also carried a valuable cargo of furs.

An American boat expedition commanded by Lieutenant Jesse Elliott captured the two brigs.

Caledonia was taken to the navy yard at Black Rock, but Detroit was swept away by the current and forced to drop anchor within range of British cannons.

After an artillery duel, the cable was cut and Detroit drifted down the river, grounding on Squaw Island (today known as Unity Island) where she was abandoned, and eventually set on fire and destroyed.