Millcreek Township near Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Perry Monument
"We have met the enemy and they are ours..."
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2013
1. The Perry Monument Marker
Welcome to Presque Isle State Park and Perry Monument
This monument honors Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval war hero who defeated the British at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
Crystal Point
Under the command of Oliver Hazard Perry, the Lake Erie Squadron was constructed along the Erie shoreline during the summer of 1813. The Presque Isle peninsula, which forms a natural bay and helps to protect Erie from the lake's harsh conditions, provided Perry and his men with a sheltered location to build their ships. Perry's victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie secured U.S. control of the lake and gave America a much-needed morale boost for continuing the fight for independence.
We invite you to explore and learn about the Battle of Lake Erie and the unique role that Presque Isle played in helping to secure America’s independence during the War of 1812. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum and Erie County Historical Society, across the bay in Erie, to learn more about this historic event.
This exhibit was constructed by the Presque Isle Partnership and the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks and made possible by the generous support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Erie Community Foundation and Mary Jane Sapper. The
this page online
Erected by Presque Isle Partnership, Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and Erie Community Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 42° 9.283′ N, 80° 5.498′ W. Marker is near Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It is in Millcreek Township. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Fisher Drive and Thompson Drive, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the west end (beginning) of the walking path to the Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Monument at Crystal Point in Presque Isle State Park, near the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Erie PA 16507, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Climate For War (within shouting distance of this marker); Preparing For Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribute to a Hero (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fishing on the Sweet Sea (about 500 feet away);
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2013
2. The Perry Monument Marker (tall view; walkway to Perry Monument in background on right)
More about this monument. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted vertically, at eye-level between six-foot tall posts.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Monument, Presque Isle State Park
Also see . . . Misery Bay and the Perry Monument. Six of Perry's eleven vessels were built in Erie at the mouth of Cascade Creek. The shores and waters of Presque Isle protected the fleet during construction. On September 10, 1813, during the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry and his men defeated the British at Put-in-Bay, near Sandusky, Ohio. After the battle, Perry and his men returned to Little Bay and Presque Isle Bay to repair their fleet and seek medical treatment. During the winters of 1812-1814, Perry’s crew suffered from poor living conditions and the harsh winters. Many of the crew died. In remembrance of their hardships during those winters, Little Bay was renamed Misery Bay. The Perry Monument on Crystal Point was built in 1926 to commemorate this significant battle during the War of 1812 and the valor of the sailors in Perry’s Command. (Submitted on February 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,620 times since then and 290 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
