Top 10 Oliver Hazard Perry Sites

Old Time Erie photo by Debbi Lyon.

Oliver Hazard Perry was the victor in the Battle of Lake Erie and was a pivotal figure in the War of 1812. Here my list of Top 10 Oliver Hazard Perry sites in Erie County, PA, some of which were named in his honor (in no particular order).

 1. Perry Square. Make this your vacation destination. Lots of events are centered here.

2. Oliver Hazard Perry statue (show here). Located on the east side of Perry Square. Perry points south and helps drivers navigate around the park.

3. Perry's flagship, the Brig Niagara. A must see, especially when she is under full sail coming through the channel.

4. Perry Monument. Located on Presque Isle State Park. Dedicated September 10, 1926.

5. Perry Elementary School, 955 West 29th St. Opened in 1913.

6. Perry Street runs north/south on Erie's east side.

7. Perry Plaza. On Broad St. on Erie's east side. Opened June 5, 1952

8. Perry Highway. Route 19 in Waterford, Erie County, PA. 

9. Perry Memorial Building. On 2nd and French St. in Erie, across from the entrance to the UPMC/Hamot emergency room. Also known as the Dickson Tavern.

10. Commodore Perry Yacht Club and Perry's Landing Marina. A tip of the cap to Erie's maritime history with these two west bayfront businesses.

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Perry Monument at Presque Isle State Park

The Perry Monument at Presque Isle State Park was dedicated on September 10, 1926, the 113th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. "The dedication services and unveiling which were under the direction of Major William Spencer were brief and simple. Less than 200 people were in attendance, the Erie County Historical society being largely represented."-Erie Daily Times, Sept. 11, 1926.

The Perry Memorial was designed by architects Fuller and Stickle in honor of Oliver Hazard Perry. The monument cost $45,069 and was built by the Continental Construction Co. of Erie, PA. It was 101 feet above lake level and can be seen from the bluff, the bayfront and Horseshoe Pond. This is a popular spot for tourists to visit when they go to the beach or drive around the Peninsula on Fisher Drive. 

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Erie PA Centennial Coin 1895 Reverse

The City of Erie, PA held Northwestern Pennsylvania's Greatest Celebration on September 10th and 11th, 1895. 
In addition to parades and decorations, the city issued a collectible bronze token with the majestic old city hall on the obverse.

The reverse of the token, pictured here, was a tribute to Oliver Hazard Perry and his heroic role in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. As his flagship Lawrence was sinking on Sept. 10, 1813, Perry boarded a lifeboat which was rowed to the Niagara. Perry sent the victorious message to his commander, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours."

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Coins were also issued for the Perry Sesquicentennial in 1963: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2013/03/perry-sesquicentennial-1963-carnival.html

Perry Sesquicentennial 1963 Carnival

The City of Erie, PA pulled out all the stops to celebrate the Perry Sesquicentennial in 1963. They even released bronze souvenir coins to commemorate the event.

This limited edition coin was issued for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. The Perry sesquicentennial medal was the size of a half dollar and was produced in limited quantities. There are at least two other coins in this series. All three had different redemption dates. 

 In addition to the Winter Carnival, there were many events such as a reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie at Veteran's Memorial Stadium, and a series of parades.

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War of 1812- Don't Give Up the Ship

Postcard promoting the Perry Centennial in July of 1913.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a celebrated hero of the War of 1812. The USS Lawrence, USS Niagara and the USS Ariel were constructed at the Perry Shipyard at the foot of Cascade Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.

What follows is a brief account of the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place on September 10, 1813: 

"The battle on the lake- At the moment that Perry commenced the action he hoisted, at his fore-top-gallant mast head, a large flag, until then unseen by, and unknown to his officers, on thick were these words legible to the enemy, 'DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP.' This had a powerful effect. When he left the Lawrence she had only seven men fit for duty- and the commodore himself helped to fire the last gun that was serviceable, before he quit her." -from Niles' Weekly Register, October 9, 1813.

To learn more about Erie's rich maritime history, visit the Erie Maritime Museum. Click here for more information: http://www.eriemaritimemuseum.org

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com