Perry Monument

Newport, RI  2017

The city of Newport has had a longstanding  relationship with the US Navy,  which to this day still has a major presence in the city.  The "Hero of Lake Erie", Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, was born in nearby South Kingston, RI and lived in Newport for a brief period of time, not far from where this monument stands.  This monument was dedicated on the 72nd Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, during which Perry lead American forces to a decisive victory against the British that served as turning point of the War of 1812.  His success as a navel commander was short lived, however.  He was stricken with Yellow Fever while in South America and died in 1819 at the age of 34.  He is buried in Island Cemetery, Newport, RI.