Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Don't Give Up the Ship

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2018

1. Don't Give Up the Ship Marker

Inscription. On this site in the home of Thomas Steuart the summer of 1813, a group of Erie women led by Margaret Forster Steuart made Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's famous battle flag inspired by the dying words of his friend, Captain James Lawrence of the Frigate Chesapeake. On display today at U.S. Naval Academy, the 9x9 foot flag flew from Perry's flagships, Lawrence and Niagara in the Battle of Lake Erie September 10, 1813.

Erected by Erie County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1813.

Location. 42° 7.932′ N, 80° 5.056′ W. Marker is in Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It is on East 4th Street east of French Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 East 4th Street, Erie PA 16507, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee

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(Iroquois) Confederacy,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Erie Steam Bakery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafayette Visit (about 300 feet away); O'Donnell House (about 300 feet away); Historic Erie Flagpole (about 300 feet away); Boston Store Livery & Garage (about 400 feet away); Colt Way (about 400 feet away); Tibbals House (about 400 feet away); Brewster House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erie.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2018

2. Don't Give Up the Ship Marker

Oliver Hazard Perry image. Click for full size.

Engraving published by Johnson Fry & Co. (Image courtesy of Tennessee State Library & Archives), circa 1862

3. Oliver Hazard Perry

"Engraving depicts Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry seated on ship's deck. Perry wears U.S. Navy uniform of dark jacket and white trousers. A pistol is tucked in his belt. A large flag emblazoned with the words, "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP," waves in the background." - TSL&A

Engraving based on a painting by Alonzo Chappel.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 830 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 16, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 17, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.