Perrysburg in Wood County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Story of the Riverside Park Cannons

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 6, 2026

1. The Story of the Riverside Park Cannons Marker

Inscription.
These replica cannons from the USS Constitution came to Perrysburg through the efforts of village resident Charles Witzler. When Mr. Witzler saw an advertisement that these cannons were for sale he realized their historical significance to our village.

The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides" was active in the War of 1812, in which Perrysburg had a noteworthy connection.

There was the Battle(s) of Fort Meigs of course, but also the Battle of Lake Erie. The thought that these ship's cannons would be credited to the memory of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who drove the enemy from the lake and for whom our village is named.

The journey that led these cannons to Perrysburg began in 1925, when a decision was made to extensively restore the USS Constitution. The 54 replicas cast in 1906 found new homes across the country, including two sent to Perrysburg.

Through the generosity ($425) of patriotic village residents, the cannons were brought to this place on May 23, 1934. They have stood vigil at Riverside Park since that time.

In 2021 the cannons were refurbished and new carriages were constructed by employees

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of the City's Department of Public Service. These cannons were rededicated on October 16, 2021 and will continue their legacy at Perrysburg's foremost scenic vista.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1934.

Location. 41° 33.562′ N, 83° 37.992′ W. Marker is in Perrysburg, Ohio, in Wood County. It is at the intersection of West Front Street and Cherry Street, on the right when traveling west on West Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 245 W Front St, Perrysburg OH 43551, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Black Swamp,

in the Till Plains,

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 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 6, 2026

2. The Story of the Riverside Park Cannons Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: These Cannons (here, next to this marker); Northwest Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial (here, next to this marker); Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (here, next to this marker); Prairie In Progress (within shouting distance of this marker); Perrysburg / Perrysburg Plat Map (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Meigs Directional Marker (approx. 0.2 miles away); Perrysburg World War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Perrysburg Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perrysburg.

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 6, 2026

3. The Story of the Riverside Park Cannons Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, June 6, 2026

4. The Story of the Riverside Park Cannons Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.