Perry'S Victory and International Peace Memorial
Perry'S Victory & International Peace Memorial
At dawn on the morning of September 10, 1813, a lookout spotted six British vessels to the northwest of Put-in-Bay in western Lake Erie. Immediately Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry issued a flurry of orders and made preparations to sail forth to engage the British. What ensued would be one of the bloodiest naval actions in America's young history.
By 3:00 pm the US naval squadron had won a complete victory over its opponent with Perry writing the famous phrase to General William Henry Harrison: "Dear General: We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O.H. Perry."
The Battle of Lake Erie proved to be one of the most resounding naval triumphs of the War of 1812. The victory secured control of the lake, forcing the British to abandon its base at Fort Malden and retreat up the Thames River. General Harrison's land force pursued, decisively defeating the small British army and its allied Indian force on October 5, 1813 at the Battle of the Thames. Later, during the peace talks, the dual victories of Lake Erie and the Thames insured that the states of Ohio and Michigan would remain the sovereign territory of the United States of America.
At dawn on the morning of September 10, 1813, a lookout spotted six British vessels to the northwest of Put-in-Bay in western Lake Erie. Immediately Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry issued a flurry of orders and made preparations to sail forth to engage the British. What ensued would be one of the bloodiest naval actions in America's young history.
By 3:00 pm the US naval squadron had won a complete victory over its opponent with Perry writing the famous phrase to General William Henry Harrison: "Dear General: We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O.H. Perry."
The Battle of Lake Erie proved to be one of the most resounding naval triumphs of the War of 1812. The victory secured control of the lake, forcing the British to abandon its base at Fort Malden and retreat up the Thames River. General Harrison's land force pursued, decisively defeating the small British army and its allied Indian force on October 5, 1813 at the Battle of the Thames. Later, during the peace talks, the dual victories of Lake Erie and the Thames insured that the states of Ohio and Michigan would remain the sovereign territory of the United States of America.
Need to Know
- Reservations. Perry's Victory opens its summer reservations in early spring each year. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance and up to 2 days before the start of the tour. Changes at no cost or cancellations for a $1 cancellation fee must be made 48 hours in advance of the tour. The park will offer full refunds if we are unable to provide tours due to weather (visible lightning), or other natural conditions that may affect visitor safety.
- Other Tours and Programs. The park also offers ranger-led programs throughout the week that do not require reservations, such as musket firing demonstrations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and cannon firings approximately once per month. Please visit the park's Ranger Programs page or call 419-285-2184.
- Operating Hours and Seasons: Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is typically open from mid-May through mid-October. During October, the park closes on Tuesdays through Thursdays. For current hours, please visit the park's Operating Hours & Seasons page.
- Entrance Fee. A $10 park entrance fee applies during normal day time tours.
- What to Bring: Visitors may only bring a camera, jacket, flashlight, and pocket phone onto the deck. Nothing extra is allowed such as backpacks, food, drink, gum, candy, tobacco products, strollers, baby backpacks, hiking sticks, tripods, selfie sticks, or pets. Talk with a ranger for exceptions for medical reasons.
- Lighting. Lighting will be kept to a minimum as it interferes with the night vision.
- Dress. Shirts and shoes are required, and all bathing attire must be covered. "Cover-ups" cannot be of a see-through or mesh type.
- Pets. No pets are allowed except for trained service animals.
- Disturbances. Out of consideration for other visitors, those who create a disturbance for the group will be escorted off the deck.
Booking Windows
Perry's Victory opens its summer reservations in early spring each year. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance and up to 2 days before the start of the tour.
Changes and Cancellations
Changes at no cost or cancellations for a $1 cancellation fee must be made 48 hours in advance of the tour. No refunds will be offered less than 48 hours before arrival. The park will offer full refunds if we are unable to provide tours due to weather (visible lightning), or other natural conditions that may affect visitor safety.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 549 / 93 Delaware Avenue Put-in-Bay OH 43456
Phone Number
(419) 285-2184
