Dedicated to the victory of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812, the Perry Monument is a 101 foot obelisk-shaped monument located at the eastern end of Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania. After being installed, it quickly became an icon of the local community that has been able to provide visitors with a sense of the history and legacy that continues to define the region.
“We have met the enemy and they are ours”
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was a prominent naval squadron leader during the War of 1812. He played a vital role in the victory over the British during the Battle of Lake Erie that was fought off of the city of Erie in 1813. It ensured American control of the lake for the rest of the war.
Perry strategically used the peninsula’s bay as a natural protection for his men to construct new ships for his fleet. Using this location would force the enemy to travel all the way around the peninsula and left them vulnerable to attack. The encounter was one of the biggest naval battles of the War of 1812. His victory message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours,” became a famous phrase while his personal flag that said, “Don’t give up the ship,” would become an icon in American naval history.
Constructed in 1926 by the state of Pennsylvania, the Perry Monument was dedicated to mark the 113th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. It quickly became a beacon of community pride that positively impacted the city and region.
A Beacon of the Community
Recognized as a notable icon of the region, the Perry Monument is featured in numerous maps and guides to the region. This connection is further highlight with how the landmark is prominently displayed on everything from postcards to memorabilia, serving as a beacon of the community on multiple levels.
Numerous museums, tours, accommodations and hotels are located near the monument. The notoriety of the monument has enabled them to directly and indirectly benefit from this proximity. The support the monument has received for the community is also evident in the dedications that appear near the monument.
At night, the Perry Monument is lit in a broad range of colors and is visible from over a mile away on the mainland. It features a color changing sequence that transitions from warm white to seasonal colors for eight different holiday displays.
All of these connections with visitors and the surrounding community have enabled audiences to get a sense of the history of the area. That history has become part of the natural beauty of Presque Isle, defining the experiences people can have with both in the present and future.
Connecting with the Legacy of Erie
Enjoyed by the over four million visitors who come to the park each year, the Perry Monument is a unique attraction amidst the actives on Presque Isle that include swimming, boating, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Famous for the natural surroundings that have cultivated these activities, the Perry Monument provides audiences with a way to connect with the history of the area in a way that is just as profound as their experiences with the natural setting, revealing a legacy for Erie that continues to be defined by both.
