Who Was Oliver Hazard Perry

Introduction to Oliver Hazard Perry

Oliver Hazard Perry was a United States Navy commander who played a significant role in the War of 1812, particularly in the Battle of Lake Erie. Born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, Perry came from a family with a strong naval tradition. His father, Christopher Raymond Perry, was a captain in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. This exposure to the naval world from a young age likely influenced Perry’s decision to pursue a career in the Navy.

Early Life and Career

Perry’s entry into the Navy began when he was just a teenager, receiving a midshipman’s warrant in 1799. He served under his father’s command on the frigate General Greene during the Quasi-War with France. Over the years, Perry advanced through the ranks, gaining experience and learning the skills necessary to become a successful naval officer. In 1807, he was promoted to lieutenant and served on the USS Revenge, which unfortunately sank in a storm off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, in 1811. Perry survived the incident and continued his service in the Navy.

The War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie

The War of 1812 marked a pivotal moment in Perry’s career. In 1812, he was given command of the USS Lawrence and USS Niagara, which were part of a small fleet on Lake Erie. His mission was to challenge the British control of the lake, which was crucial for supply lines and communication between the U.S. and its Native American allies in the region. On September 10, 1813, Perry engaged the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie. Although the USS Lawrence was severely damaged and had to be abandoned, Perry transferred his command to the USS Niagara and led a successful attack against the British ships. The British commander, Commander Robert Heriot Barclay, was forced to surrender, giving the United States control of Lake Erie.

Aftermath of the Battle of Lake Erie

The victory at the Battle of Lake Erie was a significant turning point in the War of 1812, allowing American forces to retake Detroit and win the Battle of the Thames, where the Native American leader Tecumseh was killed. Perry’s success was widely celebrated, and he became a national hero. He was promoted to master commandant, a rank that would later be renamed commander. Perry’s famous message to General William Henry Harrison after the battle, “We have met the enemy and they are ours,” has become an iconic phrase in American history.

Late Career and Legacy

After the War of 1812, Perry continued to serve in the Navy, commanding several ships and playing a role in the suppression of piracy in the Caribbean. He died on August 23, 1819, at the age of 34, from a fever contracted while serving in Venezuela. Despite his short career, Perry left a lasting legacy in the United States Navy. Several ships have been named in his honor, including the USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7), a guided-missile frigate that served from 1977 to 2015. Perry’s bravery and strategic thinking in the Battle of Lake Erie remain an important part of American naval history, inspiring future generations of naval officers.

🚢 Note: The Battle of Lake Erie was one of the first times in history where an entire British fleet surrendered to an American force, marking a significant milestone in the development of the United States Navy.

Key Points About Oliver Hazard Perry

Some key points about Oliver Hazard Perry include: * He was born into a family with a strong naval tradition. * Perry served in the Navy from a young age and quickly advanced through the ranks. * His victory in the Battle of Lake Erie was a turning point in the War of 1812. * He became a national hero after the Battle of Lake Erie and was promoted to master commandant. * Perry continued to serve in the Navy after the War of 1812, commanding several ships and fighting against piracy.

Event	Year	Description
Birth	1785	Oliver Hazard Perry was born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Entry into the Navy	1799	Perry received a midshipman's warrant and began his service in the Navy.
Battle of Lake Erie	1813	Perry led the American fleet to victory against the British, gaining control of Lake Erie.
Death	1819	Perry died on August 23, 1819, from a fever contracted while serving in Venezuela.

In summary, Oliver Hazard Perry was a significant figure in American naval history, known for his bravery and strategic thinking in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. His legacy continues to inspire naval officers and remains an important part of the United States’ naval tradition. The impact of his victory at Lake Erie was felt beyond the war, contributing to the growth and development of the United States Navy. Today, Perry is remembered as a hero who played a crucial role in shaping the country’s naval history.