Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Perry's Victory & International Peace honors all who fought the Lake Erie Battle in the War of 1812, celebrating peace for Britain, Canada, and the U.S.

At dawn on the morning of September 10, 1813, a lookout spotted six vessels to the northwest past rattlesnake island. Immediately Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry made preparations to sail forth to engage the British. Just before the engagement opened Perry hoisted his battle flag inscribed "DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP" and the Battle of Lake Erie began.

Before the day ended, Commodore Perry had defeated and captured a British squadron of warships and secured control of Lake Erie for the United States. This victory enabled General William Henry Harrison to conduct a successful invasion of Western Upper Canada.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, but in equal part it is here to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada and the U.S.