The Battle of Machias was a naval engagement that took place during the American Revolutionary War on June 11, 1775. It occurred in Machias, Maine, where American colonists sought to capture British ships and assert control over the area. The battle was significant as it marked one of the first naval confrontations in the war, showcasing the colonists' determination to resist British authority. The conflict involved local militia and a captured British vessel, the Margaretta. The colonists, led by figures like Jeremiah O'Brien, successfully defeated the British crew, which bolstered morale among the patriots. This victory helped to inspire further resistance against British rule in New England.