Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took command of the American naval forces at Lake Erie in the spring of 1813. The famous battle with the British fleet began on September 10, when Perry raised a flag bearing the words Don t Give Up The Ship and sailed into action.
After three hours of murderous gunfire, Perry was forced to abandon his flagship, the Lawrence. In a daring move, he was rowed a half mile to the Niagara, from which he continued the attack. After the battle, Perry returned to the shattered Lawrence and penned a quick message to General Harrison, We have met the enemy and they are ours. This decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Erie ensured American control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.
Reconstruction of the brig Niagara was completed in 1990. Operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, she is the centerpiece of a new maritime museum in Erie, PA and serves as the Commonwealth s goodwill ambassador.
Scale: 3/16" = 1 ft.