Jefferson was built at Sackett's Harbor, New York, for service in Commodore Isaac Chauncey's fleet on Lake Ontario and launched 7 April 1814.

Eleven days prior to the arrival of the USS Jefferson the Battle of Lundy's Lane occurred at Niagara Falls.

With Sylph and Oneida the Jefferson set up a blockade while Chauncey with the rest of the fleet sailed on to Kingston to challenge the main English squadron.

The blockade stopped this crucial artery while the Siege of Fort Erie raged on aiding the United States.

Jefferson rejoined her fleet on 17 September and operated with it during the remainder of the navigation season attempting to draw Sir James Yeo's ships into a decisive contest.