Port Clinton in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Camp Perry
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021
1. Camp Perry Marker
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.
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Location. 41° 32.688′ N, 83° 1.181′ W. Marker is in Port Clinton, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Camp Perry (a few steps from this marker); Buckeye Tree Planted 1909 (within shouting distance of this marker); Krotiak Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Buckeye Tree Planted 1909 (within shouting distance of this marker); Rodriquez Range (within shouting distance of this marker); Bataan-Armory (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Company 'C' 192nd Tank Battalion (about 400 feet away); Petrarca Range (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Clinton.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021
2. Camp Perry Marker
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021
3. Camp Perry Marker
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021
4. Camp Perry Shooting Range
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 858 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on August 18, 2025, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 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.
