Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Perry’s Monument – Put-in-Bay’s Most Iconic Building

During the War of 1812, South Bass Island played host to the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. Today, Perry’s Monument is one of the top attractions of Put-in-Bay, Ohio.

The Memorial, a Doric column rising 352 feet over Lake Erie, is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is the only international peace memorial in the United States National Park System and rises 47 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York City. In conclusion, on a clear day, it’s even possible to see as far as, Toledo, Cleveland, Sandusky, and Detroit, Michigan.

 Once you arrive at the national monument you can begin your trip out at the Perry’s Monument Visitor’s Center. Here you will watch a 15-minute film about the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. Finally, the film will also explain the history and process it took to have the memorial constructed.

Perry’s Monument – A Tribe to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial is one of the tallest monuments in the United States.  The War of 1812 was fought during a time when the British fleet attempted to take control of Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes. American officers team up against British officers in the Battle of Lake Erie where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led his men to victory.  

The rotunda commemorates the lives lost in the War of 1812. The tour of the monument teaches lessons of international peace between great nations.  In addition, the monument is the second tallest national monument in the country with the tallest one being the Washington monument.

Things to see at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

• Art and Artifacts from the War of 1812.
• Exhibits hosted by the National Park Service (NPS)
• Observation Deck overlooking Lake Erie
• Black Powder Demonstrations (Firing demonstrations of reproduction flintlock muskets) – Takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the hour from 11 am to 5 pm. On scheduled weekends there are firing demonstrations of a reproduction 32-pounder carronade.
• Ranger Programs – Interpretive talks Monday through Thursday on the hour, 11 am to 5 pm. You can even become a Junior Ranger!
• Learn about how “Don’t Give Up the Ship” became a famous Put-in-Bay island saying.

 

Perry’s Victory Monument is also included in the Island Fun Pack as one of the featured attractions. You can also visit several other attractions, such as Perry’s Cave, the Butterfly House, Heineman’s Winery, the War of 18 Holes, and the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. You might want to get a Put-in-Bay golf cart rental to travel between all these attractions! The Island Fun Pack also provides discounted rates on transportation for the Island Tour Train, Miller Ferry, and the downtown Put-in-Bay Bus. So get on a Put-in-Bay ferry and head over to the island today!

 

Perry’s Victory Monument Rates

Adults: $7.00 (Access to the observation deck 317 feet above Lake Erie)

Youth: FREE (15 years and younger)

Visitor Center and Grounds – FREE

Annual Pass: $30.00 – Grants pass holder and 3 additional adults deck access

 

Hours of Operation

Open Daily May 19 through September – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

October 1 through October 22 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Closed: October 24 – May 18

Testimonials

Joe W: “This is one of my favorites ever. Being from Ohio I am proud of the role that this state played in the War of 1812. I think that the Battle of Lake Erie has a significant place in the history of The United States of America. Oliver Hazard Perry is a National hero and I am so proud that he turned the battle against the World’s best Navy, at the time, and beat them by outsmarting them. The visitor center is a great place to visit when you are there. Enjoy the views from the top, the history, and the National park itself.”

Chris F: “Very informative and includes models as well as displays and occasional movies on the battle. There are books on the battle and other lake Erie and Ohio historical facts and information. Going up in the monument is amazing and the park rangers are very helpful and know lots of information on most of the islands in the area.”

Leonard C: “In awe of the enormous size of the memorial dedicated to the peace and friendly relationship between the US, Canada and the UK. I had no idea that the Battle of 1812 involved a battle on Lake Erie. I learned so much today from reading the displays within the information center and it made me appreciate the War of 1812 even more. The views from the observation deck were amazing. We got to see Pelee Island(Canada), Middle & North Bass Islands, Catawba Island and Michigan. In awe and impressed. Even my 6-year-old son enjoyed it.”

Perry’s Victory Monument Contact Information:

419-285-2184

93 Delaware Avenue Put-in-Bay, OH 43456