Shortly after General Anthony Wayne took control of Detroit in 1796, a ship was ordered for construction by the United States Army.

Construction of the 125-tons burthen vessel at the United States Shipyard on the River Rouge (at Baby Creek near what is now Woodmere Cemetery)[1] began in 1797.

However, the process was done incorrectly and in a refit performed ten years after the brig's construction, it was found that the salt had been packed too tightly and had not dissolved into the wood, and remained hard and dry between the frames.

Elliott's force successfully captured both vessels and the Americans made for safe harbour at Black Rock.

Caledonia arrived safely, but Detroit ran aground on the southern tip of Squaw Island after the wind had died and the vessel became unmanageable, while under fire from British artillery.