Oliver Hazard Perry |
Early LifeOliver Hazard Perry was born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He came from a naval family—his father, Christopher Raymond Perry, was also a naval officer. Oliver joined the United States Navy as a midshipman at just 13 years old, beginning a lifelong military career that would earn him fame and honor during the War of 1812. Early Naval CareerDuring the early years of his career, Perry served in the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars. He gained experience in naval combat and ship command, though he remained relatively unknown outside naval circles. That changed during the War of 1812, when he was tasked with building and commanding a fleet on Lake Erie, a crucial front in the war between the United States and Great Britain. Battle of Lake EriePerry supervised the construction of a small squadron of ships at Erie, Pennsylvania, including his flagship, the Lawrence. On September 10, 1813, he led American forces in the decisive Battle of Lake Erie. The battle was intense and brutal. Perry’s flagship, the Lawrence, took heavy damage, and nearly all of his crew were killed or wounded. Refusing to surrender, Perry famously rowed through gunfire to the Niagara, another ship in his fleet, and continued the fight. Victory and FameWith bold maneuvering, Perry turned the tide of the battle and forced the British to surrender. Afterward, he wrote a now-famous message to General William Henry Harrison: "We have met the enemy and they are ours." This victory secured control of Lake Erie for the United States, lifted American morale, and helped retake Detroit from British control. Perry’s leadership and bravery made him a national hero. Learn more about the Battle of Lake Erie Later Life and DeathAfter the war, Perry continued to serve in the Navy, including diplomatic missions to South America. Sadly, his career was cut short. While on a mission to Venezuela in 1819, Perry contracted yellow fever. He died at sea on August 23, 1819—his 34th birthday. LegacyOliver Hazard Perry is remembered as one of America’s greatest naval commanders. His courage, determination, and leadership at Lake Erie played a key role in American success during the War of 1812. Monuments, schools, and even a U.S. Navy ship have been named in his honor, preserving the legacy of the "Hero of Lake Erie." Early LifeOliver Hazard Perry was born on August 23, 1785, in Rhode Island. His father was a Navy officer, and Oliver joined the Navy when he was only 13 years old. Early Navy WorkAs a young man, Perry fought in early U.S. wars at sea. He learned how to lead sailors and command ships, but he was not famous yet. The Battle of Lake ErieDuring the War of 1812, Perry was sent to build ships on Lake Erie to fight the British. On September 10, 1813, he led a big battle. His first ship was badly damaged, so he rowed to another ship and kept fighting. Winning the BattlePerry’s plan worked, and the British gave up. He became famous for sending the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." This win helped America take back the city of Detroit. Later Years and DeathAfter the war, Perry kept working for the Navy. In 1819, while on a trip to South America, he got very sick with yellow fever and died on his 34th birthday. Remembering PerryOliver Hazard Perry is remembered as a brave Navy hero. Many schools, ships, and places are named after him because of his great victory at Lake Erie. |
