Commodore Perry's Longboat

A replica of Perry's longboat that was rowed through enemy fire during the Battle of Lake Erie.

NPS Photo Mimi Gorman

Quick Facts

Location:

Outside the park visitor center

Significance:

A replica of the boat used by Commodore Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie to transfer his command from the flagship Niagara to the sister ship, the Lawrence

During the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry realized that his flagship the Brig Lawrence had sustained great damage and loss of life. In order to increase his advantage of winning the battle, he decided to move his command to the second flagship, the Brig Niagara. While the battle raged, Perry boarded a longboat with his "Dont Give Up the Ship" flag in hand. A small crew rowed the boat across the lake between the two ships. They miraculoulsy dodged the ensuing gunfire and Commodore Perry took command from the Brig Niagara and won the Battle of Lake Erie. 

Perry's longboat along with the "DGUTS" flag is the iconic representation of the Battle of Lake Erie. 

This boat is a replica based on historical accounts of boat designs from that era. It is on display at the park mid-May to mid-October.