Put In Bay Vacation: The Perry Memorial

The Perry Monument closed the next weekend for a 2 year renovation. It honestly has not changed at all since I visited as a child.

The interpreter had a lot of interesting information regarding the weaponry and how they fought in the war of 1812. The most interesting part to me was the difference between a musket and a rifle.

A view from the top

This was Perry's motto for his troops (is that what you call navy soldiers or only army?)

The Islands and lake from the top of the monument

This is the main downtown area of Put In Bay (which, incidentally got it's name from Perry since is was one of the only safe and somewhat hidden areas to put the navy ships in the bay to sneak up on the British...)

This is the tippy top structure of the monument.

The marina - lots and lots of rich folks with their nice toys...

The monument from across the lawn. It was the perfect day for this.

They've added a museum building that has models, a movie, and interpretive displays regarding the war of 1812, but most specifically Perry's Battle of Lake Erie. Apparently this battle is credited for turning the war to our favor. I will post pics from that next.

So unfortunately, if you've never been to South Bass Island and Perry's Monument, you will not get to see the monument now for 2 years. Everything else will be open, you just won't get to go up to the observation deck. If you are nervous about heights, this is one of the few open air decks left in the US and it's VERY WINDY!!!! It is surrounded by a concrete wall about chest high (to me), but there is nothing to keep anyone from jumping or throwing things off. Four year olds who like to climb might make their mommies a bit nervous... (I'm OK...now)