ERIE — The U.S. Brig Niagara, a reconstructed 19th century ship recovered from Lake Erie in 1913, marks the 20th anniversary of its first trip serving as a replica of the vessel that played a major role in the War of 1812.

That first voyage two years ago wasn't long — just a seven-hour sea trial on the lake. But since then, the Niagara has sailed throughout the Great Lakes and to ports along the East Coast.

"I don't think 20 years ago, that anybody thought the ship would be sailing as extensively as it is," said Senior Capt. Walter Rybka.

The present Niagara is the third reconstruction of the ship that was left to rot in the Erie harbor after the War of 1812. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry sailed the ship to victory against the British during the Battle of Lake Erie. The replica ship includes a few beams and other parts of the original Niagara.

In 1992, the Niagara made a nine-port East Coast voyage and drew 38,659 visitors, the first of three East Coast trips. The last one came in 2000 when the ship attracted 70,204 visitors in 11 ports from Norfolk, Va., to Montreal.

Since then, the Niagara has stayed in the Great Lakes. The vessel was scheduled to leave today for Duluth, Minn., where 12,000 people visited the Niagara in 2008 and where officials hope to raise $30,000 in appearance fees as well as revenue from day sails. The visit will match the Niagara's farthest trip west.

A sailing ship requires more maintenance than one that stays in port, but Rybka said the visits raise necessary income.