During the recent Labor Day weekend, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit some historic sites on northern Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline (most appropriate for the Great Lakes chapter of HMGS!). The main objective of-the trip was South Bass Island, specifically the port town of Put-in-Bay, and the Perry Memorial. Although most people probably think of Put-in-Bay as a party town (which it most definitely is!), it also happens to be located in a historically rich area.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a 352-feet granite column which dominates the island and the surrounding lake for miles. It commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry's decisive victory over the British fleet on Sept 10, 1813. It also commemorates the lasting peace between the U.S. and Canada. The Memorial was built between 1912 and 1915, and is now operated by the U.S. National Park service.

Visitors can ascend the Memorial to enjoy the view. After a short climb up a spiral staircase, an elevator carries visitors to an observation platform near the top of the Memorial; there is a $2.00 fee for the elevator ride. The view from the top is impressive. Not only is the entire island visible, but several surrounding islands, including Pelee Island, Canada, can be seen. In addition, visitors can view the area of the lake where the Battle of Lake Erie took place. On the day of my visit, a reenactor dressed as a U.S. Regular infantryman of the War of 1812 was giving lectures on various aspects of the war, and was providing firing demonstrations.

Near the Memorial is a small NPS visitors' center and bookstore. Exhibits include a large model of the USS Niagara. The bookstore carries a very good selection of books on the War of 1812 and other frontier topics. I also noticed a good selection of 54mm historical miniatures (unpainted) for sale, as well as blister packs of Valiant 1/2000 scale sailing ships.

West of the Memorial is De Rivera Park, which, at the time of my visit, was full of people enjoying the Labor Day weekend. On display in the park is a WWII U.S. 57mm anti-tank gun, several muzzle-loading cannon, and a monument honoring soldiers from Put-in-Bay who were killed in the First World War. Southwest of the park, on Catawba Avenue, is the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum. This small museum has many exhibits of historical interest, including several model ships. Also for sale here were some nice prints of several of the warships which fought in the Battle of Lake Erie.

South Bass Island is accessible by ferry (from Catawba Point and Port Clinton) during the months of April through October. The Memorial is also open daily from late April through late October. All of the sites described above are within easy walking distance of the port. 

Before returning home the next day, I visited Johnson's Island in Sandusky Bay. This was the location of a prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, where Confederate officers were confined. The small island can be reached by car via a causeway for a $1.00 toll. The gravel access road is short but rough. Most of the island is now residential, but there is a well-maintained Confederate cemetery. An interpretive sign provides visitors with a brief history of the camp, and there is also a monument to the Southern soldiers who died there.

I would recommend a visit to these historical sites to any of my fellow HMGS-GL members. There are plenty of other attractions in the area, so it would be very easy to combine your visit with a family vacation.