“If a victory is to be gained, I will gain it.” said Oliver Hazard Perry at the beginning of this day 211 years ago. His American Navy delivered this victory over the British during the War of 1812 on Lake Eerie.

Perry, a proud Rhode Islander, came from a naval family and was the older brother of Matthew Perry, whose “Black Ships” opened Japan in 1853. Their father, Christopher Perry had fought in the Revolution aboard the USS Trumbull. 

The Americans built and transferred ships to Lake Eerie – a ridiculously challenging effort – throughout 1813. Perry had a pennant made with the dying words of his friend, James Lawrence, aboard the USS Chesapeake four months earlier, “DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP!”

After the battle, Perry’s sent a now famous message to General William Henry Harrison – 

Dear General:We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O.H. Perry

Honor and remember the Americans who defeated the British and opened the Great Lakes on this day!