Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial
93 Delaware Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419-285-2184
Perrys Victory & International Peace Memorial
Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial A Testament To Everlasting Peace
Rising 352 feet in the Lake Erie Islands Skyline, Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial is a meaningful tribute to the hope for everlasting peace and friendship between the United States & Canada. Constructed in 1915, this vast Doric column recently underwent a series of corrective repairs in 2009 and reopened in 2012. The Monument again received maintenance, cleaning, and repairs in 2017.
Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial Particulars
The Monument, as locals call it, sits on an isthmus close to downtown Put-in-Bay. An isthmus is a piece of land connecting two larger areas. This small piece of property is also what gives Put-in-Bay its unique appearance.
It is open every day during the summer season. Adults pay $7, while children are free. The last ascent to the observation deck is 30 minutes before closing. It is a short walk from the Jet Express terminal and the downtown attractions. Visitors pay a small admission fee at the Visitors Center to access the observation deck via an elevator. The Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial Visitors Center is free of charge. A park ranger escorts groups to the deck and is able to assist where needed.
Knowledgeable Park Rangers are available on the deck at all times to answer any questions you may have about the history of the Monument. On a clear day, you can see Canada in the distance, as well as Toledo and the other Bass islands on clear days. This 2000-mile stretch of border between Canada and the U.S. is the longest undefended border in the world.
The Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial is the only international peace symbol within the United States National Park system. 47′ taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial is stunning in size. The observation deck sits 12 feet higher than the Statue Of Liberty’s torch.
The History of the Monument
“Don’t Give Up The Ship.” famous words from Naval Commander Oliver Hazard Perry to his troops as they defended this area against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. These words remain stirring to this day. Despite being heavily unnumbered and outgunned, Perry was victorious at the battle. This was a crucial turning point in the War of 1812, and the U.S. went on to win the war.
Entombed at the base of the Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial are six brave soldiers who died during the battle, three American and three British. The names of all the soldiers slain in the battle, including Commodore Perry, are also etched inside the grand rotunda. After the war of 1812, relations between the United States and England have remained peaceful ever since. The Monument is an enduring symbol of this peace, its construction a multi-state effort to “inculcate the lessons of international peace by arbitration and disarmament.”
Put-in-Bay Events At Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial
The grounds in front of the column are an accessible space for Put-in-Bay Events all summer long. The park system also sponsors events.
Arts on Erie is a popular week-long arts and crafts festival held on the back porch for adults and kids. The Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration with U.S. Brig Niagara is a celebration of tradition and history on Put-in-Bay. Tour the ship Brig Niagara and enjoy a festive atmosphere all weekend long. Get here early and save the best seats for the Fourth of July Fireworks at Perrys Victory International Peace Memorial. They even have music to accompany the display. The Monument is an essential symbol of everlasting peace as well as a community hub for Put-in-Bay. We are fortunate to have it!