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Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial

Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial 

The Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial, A 352-foot (107 m) monument – the world’s most massive Doric column – was constructed in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, by a multi-state commission from 1912 to 1915 “to inculcate the lessons of international peace by arbitration and disarmament.” Beneath the stone floor of the Monument lie the remains of three American officers and three British officers.

The Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial is among the tallest monuments in the United States (the Gateway Arch, San Jacinto Monument, and Washington Monument are taller). Although substantially completed in 1915, funding problems prevented the proper completion of a fully realized memorial complex.

In 1919 the federal government assumed control of the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial and provided additional funding. The official dedication was celebrated on July 31, 1931. In 2002, 2.4 million dollars was spent on a new visitor center. The memorial is visited by over 200,000 people each year.

Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial Particulars

An isthmus is a narrow piece of land that connects two more significant areas. As it is often referenced, Perry’s Monument stands tall on an isthmus close to downtown Put-in-Bay. This isthmus is also what gives Put-in-Bay its distinctive formation.

It is open daily during the summer season. Adults pay $7, while kids are complimentary. The final ascent to the observation terrace is 30 minutes prior to closing. It is a short walk from the Jet Express terminal and the downtown attractions.

Tourists pay the entrance fee at the Visitor Center to access the observation terrace. The Visitors Center is free of charge. A national park service (NPS) ranger accompanies groups to the terrace by an elevator.

Canada lies in the distance, effortlessly seen on clear days. This five-mile span between Canada and the U.S. is the lengthiest undefended frontier on the planet. Park Rangers are available on the deck to answer any questions about the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial and its history. This Monument is the only multinational peace symbol within the United States National Parks System.

The doric column is 47 loftier than the Statue of Liberty and just a few feet smaller than the Washington Monument. The observation deck sits 12 feet higher than Lady Liberty’s torch, making it one of the most towering monuments in the nation.

Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial Administrative History

It was established as Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial by Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 2, 1936 (Proclamation No. 2182), redesignated as a National Memorial, and renamed on October 26, 1972. As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service, the memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. It is the only peace memorial within the National Park Service.

Perrys Monument Structural Concerns

The column, The Put-in-Bay Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial was closed for most of the summer of 2006. A 500-pound (230 kg) chunk of granite broke off the observation deck on the southeast corner, falling 315 feet (96 m) in June, leaving a crater in the plaza.

There were no injuries. A structural assessment was performed, and it was deemed safe for visitors. The Put-in-Bay Perry’s Monument reopened on August 26, 2006, albeit with a fence surrounding it. Comprehensive studies were planned, and the results determined the necessary repairs and the cost of the work.

The Put-in-Bay Perry’s Monument is estimated to close for up to 3 years for renovation. This three-phase project on the Put-in-Bay Perry’s Monument will start with the observation deck. Once the observation deck has been completed, then the entrance and rotunda will receive attention. The Put-in-Bay Perry’s Monument closed on September 30, 2009, for two years and reopened in July 2012. The repairs to the observation deck were estimated at $7,000,000.

 

Events at the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial Monument

The steps and surrounding green space in front of the column are popular spaces for summer Put-in-Bay Events. The park’s administrators also sponsor numerous events and historical reenactments..

The Lake Erie Islands are not a boring place! Adults and children partake in Arts on Erie, a week-long craftworks and arts celebration held on the rear patio. The Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration with U.S. Brig Niagara is a festival of history and customs on Put-in-Bay. Tour this giant vessel and enjoy a lively atmosphere all weekend long. Come earlier and catch the most pleasing Fourth of July Fireworks seats at Perry’s. There is even music to accompany the display.

The Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial Monument is a vital sign of lasting tranquility and a community hub for Put-in-Bay. We’re fortunate to have it! Individuals from all over the United States arrive to see the Monument. 

Helpful Links

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay offers visitors a wide variety of action-packed & educational activities, some of which have a small fee to attend. Plan your must-see list by clicking below!
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Activities For Kids & Adults Alike

You'll enjoy a wide variety of watersports, fishing, museums, and cool things to do, like exploring caves and climbing rock walls!

Explore Island History

There is so much to learn about Put-in-Bay's History & its important role in the War Of 1812. Our local museum is a great place to begin! Click the link below to learn more about the island.
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Spending more than a day in Put-in-Bay?

Did you know a crucial battle in the War of 1812 was fought along the shorelines of South Bass Island? Read along and discover the island's rich history!

Perrys International Peace Memorial

Towering over 300 Ft Tall visitors are welcomed to the base of the monument where an elevator whisks you to an observation platform with stunning views!
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Stunning Views From Atop The Monument

Breathtaking views await those who journey to the top of the Perrys International Peace Memorial. Detroit, Canada & Cedar Point can be seen on a clear day!

Learn All About Put-in-Bay

Everything you need to know to plan & enjoy a fantastic trip to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island! Information on how to get here, where to stay, eat, and what to see! when you get here!
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Plan Your Trip With The Official Put-in-Bay Visitors Bureau!

We work hard to provide you with all the information you need for an absolutely GREAT vacation! Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Us!

Devlyn W.

This is an immaculate park. Take a journey to the peak of the tower for a wonderful view. We had never attended Put in Bay before our visit. The village has lots of personality, and I wish we had allocated more time to stay. Don't take your car on the ferry. Put-in-Bay Golf carts are available to book online in advance and are a great way to travel the Island. Also a fabulous solution to the restricted parking on the Island

Bill B.

Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial was the first thing we accomplished after reaching the Island. My spouse had been there many years before, and it was closed for restoration then, so he was looking forward to it. The main level of the Monument is beautiful marble and stunning artwork. I advise stopping in the visitor's headquarters first, filled with records about the War, including a short video presentation and clean, air-conditioned restrooms. There's also a national parks gift shop. There's a stairway guiding us to the elevator level, where we had to wait about ten minutes. Before getting on the elevator, they will ask that you leave bags on this level, but purses are permitted. The elevator ride is about one minute, a soft ride with an associate who shares some brief history with you during the lift. The vista from the top is exquisite! perry's monument height is over 300 feet!There are binoculars for your benefit, complimentary. I'm so pleased we did this. Everyone adored it!

Calvin K.

If you journey to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island, Lake Erie), you can't help but notice Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial at every turn. The monument column towers over the Island (it's taller than the Statue of Liberty), teaching visitors about the area's significance during the War of 1812. The historical site has an excellent museum with an abundance of rangers on hand to answer inquiries. The 20-minute film was informative while we were there. Take a lift up to the top of the Memorial and see Cedar Point and about 20 other islands, and even Canada. It's a fantastic view! The cost is $10 per adult; kids are free—outstanding Junior Ranger schedule as well, which was free. Put-in-Bay's annual historical weekend is the weekend after Labor Day and consistently has many family-friendly activities.

Pam G.

A Must Do while seeing Put In Bay. Fascinating history about Commodore Perry and the War of 1812. If you're a Senior Citizen and have the National Park pass, bring it to go up in the tower complimentary. Not actually handicapped attainable (I don't believe), but only approximately 35 steps to reach the elevator that carries you to the highest observation deck with amazing views. There's a 15-minute film in the gallery that presents the chronology of the area. We were glad it was 15 minutes at maximum though!

Bobby T.


Our second visit to South Bass Island and the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial was this year. It would take many more favorable reviews to commence to describe the incredible adventure and magnificence of the Island. We give particular praise to the Perry Peace Memorial with this assessment. We were lucky to visit on "National Park Day" and see a reenactment of canon fire comparable to that of the 1812 fight on Lake Erie. Our stop was enjoyable in every manner, and as they say, you can see Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio, 60 miles out on a clear day from the top of the Monument. It is awe-inspiring to see the Memorial, pleasant to understand history at the Visitor Center and contemplate the years of accord between Canada and the United States that resulted from this action more than 200 years back. We're only there to be more beautiful memorials to tranquility on our planet. Thank you for this superb Memorial.

Tina M.

I stopped back after this tower was shut down for repairs the last time we were at Put-in-Bay. Accommodating interpreters and incredible views of Lake Erie into Michigan, Ontario, and of course, Ohio. Nice new visitors center with a cool amphitheater. The Memorial has periodic demonstrations in summer. They could offer a guide in the rotunda. perry's monument cost was about $10

Dave T.

I vacationed here a few years ago, but comprehending this event in our history is agreeably worth some time. The Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial is the loftiest open-air observation lookout in the National Park Service. Worth the journey, by elevator, to the top. Positively suggest.

Ellis G.

I desired to go to Put-in-Bay, especially to see Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial because we had studied him in school. I was still determining what the Monument would be like or whether there would be a National Park Service building with helpful employees and an explanatory movie. If you need to catch up on your War of 1812 facts, the brief film is a big benefit. Googling the War before you go is also helpful. The elevator rides up to the top of the observatory deck were swift and uneventful. You can expend as much time as you like on the deck. You can see numerous other islands from the summit, and we used Google maps to determine the islands. One of them is Peele Island, which is part of Canada! I am unsure if this attraction is crowded in the summer,

Leandro G.

Panorama from the terrace was the best on the Island. There are a few stone steps before reaching the elevator to take you to the observation deck. A sizeable empty area divides the gallery and Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial. If you like sailing vessel exhibits, you'll enjoy the museum display of the battle in the War of 1812. There is plenty of parking next to the bottom of the Monument and on the roadway side of the visitor's center, about a 1-1.5 hour visit, including the museum. Interesting learning about perry's victory on lake erie. perry's monument hours were good.

Julie B.

Beautiful views of Lake Erie. Remarkable Monument with lots of unobstructed areas. Doggy friendly. The visitors center is open with excellent restrooms—plenty of parking for golf carts. We went about 8:30 am on a Sunday and were the only individuals there. Our boys appreciated visiting the Monument. Concise trip for us. But it could also be a more extended stop if you see the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial visitor center.

Price R.

When visiting Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial, I was impressed by the width and, more significantly, the altitude! The water sets it in an area that permits numerous people to visit without a problem with crowding. There is even a rock wall to relax on and a cemented walking trail by the basin to enjoy. It can be seen from many locations on South Bass Island to deliver a collection of photos from different points of view. Also learned they have a perry's victory quarter

Pascal G.

This place is incredible! I recommend seeing it, and you don't need to go long. Take a moment to see the museum first and observe the videotape because it provides context regarding what you will witness. Look around the museum and soak it in. Then go over to the Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial! It is astonishing, and the history is incredible.

Alvin C.

The Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial was built in 1913 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the naval warfare of Lake Erie, where the US fleet conquered the British caravan, and celebrates the extended peace and goodwill between the US and Canada. We visited on September 10, the 208th anniversary of the conflict. A paved plaza and a small park near the water surround the pillar. The rotunda within the Monument is the last resting site of three American and three British officers who were slain in the fight. The observation balcony was open, and it presented a wonderful vista of the Lake Erie islands and coast. Worth a stop!

Sherri F.

We decided to take the golf cart to Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial first item after bringing the ferry over. The Monument is super amazing and offers a stunning 360 view of the Islands even from the base. Early evenings are likely the least congested periods. We saw later that it could get kind of happening. They also require masks if you go inside but offer them for free if you forget! Recommend stopping by and seeing what you can accomplish!

Harold C,

This is our 4th time visiting Put-In-Bay, Ohio, but our first to Perrys Victory And International Peace Memorial. The views were amazing, and even though I am scared of heights, it was not the least bit frightening. The crew of National Park employees were there to respond to questions about the War of 1812 and Perry's involvement. They were extremely accommodating and made it more intriguing with all of their points!