"The Salem East Indiaman Friendship was launched in 1797. She made 15 voyages during her career to Batavia, India, China, South America, the Caribbean, England< Germany, the Mediterranean and Russia. Built for Salem mercantile firm Waite and Pierce, she ended her activities as an American merchant vessel when she was captured as a prize of war by the British Sloop of War, HMS Rosamon, in September 1812. This replica was built by the National Park Service using modern materials and construction methods while retaining the appearnce of the original ship"