Port Clinton in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Camp Perry
In an effort to improve the marksmanship of Ohio soldiers, Adjutant General Ammon B. Critchfield established Camp Perry, an Ohio National Guard Military Training site on the shore of Lake Erie in 1906. Camp Perry was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who defeated British forces in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. This particular location was ideal for shooting ranges because varying-length ranges were able to share a common firing line, and shooting practice could take place on all ranges, without the added risk of stray bullets.
These specialized shooting ranges were developed for national and international competition between civilian and military teams. Camp Perry has played numerous roles through the years, including holding Italian and German prisoners of war during World War II and, at varying times, serving as an Army Reception Center. National Rifle Association rifle and pistol matches have been held here since 1907. Additionally, in 1990, United States Coast Guard reservists trained here in preparation for the Persian Gulf War.
Erected 1995 by The Friends of Camp Perry and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-62.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 41° 32.668′ N, 83° 1.154′ W. Marker is in Port Clinton, Ohio, in Ottawa County. Marker is at the intersection of Lawrence Road and Niagra, on the right when traveling east on Lawrence Road. Marker is at the CMP Air Rifle Range, Camp Perry. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 North Lawrence Road, Port Clinton OH 43452, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buckeye Tree Planted 1909 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Buckeye Tree Planted 1909 (within shouting distance of this marker); Krotiak Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bataan-Armory (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Camp Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); Company 'C' 192nd Tank Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Baesel Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Petraca Range (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Clinton.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.