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Birthday and Background Information
Born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, Oliver Hazard Perry was the oldest of eight siblings. His birthplace would later become a place where he was frequently stationed near. -
Joining the Navy
Perry decided to pursue a naval career at the age of thirteen. He became a midshipman on the USS General Greene. He was four years younger than the average midshipman. -
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Perry's First Deployment
Perry was a part of the Quasi-War with France. He was also a part of the Tripolitan War against the Barbary pirates. He served on famous ships such as the USS Adams, Constellation, Noutilus, and Constitution. -
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Perry's First Leave
Perry took an extended leave from the Navy. When he returned, his leave caused demotion and tedious work. -
Perry's First Major Assignment
Perry was assigned to patrol Charleston, South Carolina. His ship, the USS Revenge, faced many severe storms and small altercations that forced Perry to apply for transfer. His transfer application was ignored and Perry grew ill. -
Perry's Wreck
As Perry was surveying harbors in New England on the USS Revenge, a heavy fog rolled in. The ship struck a reef and sunk. This gave him a short leave from the Navy. During the time, he married Elizabeth Mason. -
Perry's Return to Navy
Perry was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island in May of 1812. Upset by his post, he applied for a promotion and was placed on Lake Erie as the leader of a fleet of warships. -
Battle of Lake Erie
Perry lead a fleet of nine ships against the undefeated British Naval squadron of six warships in Put-In-Bay. His first boat, the USS Lawrence, sank and he transferred to the USS Niagara. Perry's fleet was the first to ever beat a British squadron. The battle gave the US control of Detroit, a major city in the war. -
Perry's Promotion
Perry was promoted to the commander of the USS Java, a 44-gun warship that was under construction after the Battle of Put-In-Bay. While waiting for the Java to be finished, he participated in the land engagements against Britain in Washington DC and Baltimore. -
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Rest of Perry's Life
After implications on a voyage, John Heath challenged Perry to a duel in the same place as Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Heath fired early at four paces and missed. Perry refused to shoot. Perry was then sent on a diplomatic trip to South America where he died of yellow fever.
