Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry could not have turned the tide against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie 200 years ago without the aid of the longboat that carried him from the sinking Lawrence to the eventually triumphant Niagara. And although Perry’s Longboat isn’t large on size, it’s historical relevance is as immense as any ship in the Commodore’s fleet. For this reason, it has been recreated to play it’s vital role in the Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration later this summer.
On Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the Shelby Street Boat Ramp in downtown Sandusky, the Sandusky Maritime Museum and the Perry Group will finally get to unveil Riddle Boat Work’s beautiful replica of Perry’s iconic quarter boat. The christening will coincide with the Maritime Museum’s Classic Boat Show at the Paper District Marina that same Saturday from 9am-5pm.
With a bottle of ceremonial champagne at the ready, dignitaries and uniformed sailors in place, this piece of maritime antiquity is the launch of the 2013 Lake Erie Shores and Islands Summer of history.
Filed under: Attractions, Events, History, Lake Erie Islands, Travel Tagged: battle of lake erie, Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial, longboat, niagara, oliver hazard perry
