The Battle of Lake Erie

The Battle of Lake Erie

Gibraltar Island became a lookout point for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. Perry and his men defeated a fleet of British sailing vessels during the famous Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813.

The famous phrase, "We have met the enemy and they are ours", was expressed by Perry after his victory. Fifty-three years later, on Monday September 10, 1866, the battle was celebrated at Gibraltar.

Cooke's journal entry is shown below along with transcription:

An image of Cooke's journal entry

The Battle of Erie
September 10 1813.
Oliver Hazard Perry
"We have met the enemy and they are ours"
This day was duly celebrated at Gibraltar Monday September 10 1866 by the hoisting of flags, and the firing of guns from the "Commodore Perry" and the "Sherman".

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