Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie
Photographed by Bill Klauk, circa 2001
1. African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie Marker
These skilled seamen were among those who enabled Oliver Hazard Perry to defeat & capture a British Squadron, Sept. 10, 1813. Their participation - critical to victory - secured a place for African Americans in the region's history.
Erected 1996 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1813.
Location. 42° 8.225′ N, 80° 5.227′ W. Marker is in Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It can be reached from Front Street. Located behind the Erie Maritime Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 E Front St, Erie PA 16507, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Making of the Flag "Don't Give Up The Ship" (here, next to this marker); Flagship Niagara (a few steps from this marker); Paul Allman Siple (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); USS Michigan Anchor (about 300 feet away); William Leverett Morrison (about 300 feet away); Erie 9-11 Memorial
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Battle of Lake Erie
Also see . . . Erie Maritime Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 16, 2025
2. African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 16, 2025
3. African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie Marker
Several markers can be found at this location. The African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie marker is seen here on the right.
Photographed by Rudy Guy, September 14, 2008
4. African American Sailors in the Battle of Lake Erie Marker
The marker can be seen between the masts of the brig Niagara. The Erie Maritime Museum is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,709 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
