In honor of the Battle of Lake Erie and the heroic efforts of Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812, the USS Lake Erie was christened with a name steeped in maritime tradition. Commissioned on July 24th, 1993, this Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser now calls the sunny port of San Diego, California, home. Yet, its name echoes far beyond its current waters—back to the storied Great Lakes and the spirit of Ohio.

A Nod to Naval History

The USS Lake Erie carries forward the enduring motto, “DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP,” boldly emblazoned on its main deck. This rallying cry, famously used by Commodore Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie, symbolizes the unyielding determination and resilience of the American spirit. The original inscription, lacking an apostrophe, connects modern-day sailors with their historic counterparts who braved the tumultuous waters of the early 19th century.

From the Great Lakes to the Open Seas

The vessel operates in the vast Pacific and its name serves as a bridge to a remarkable heritage rooted in the Great Lakes region. Ohio boasts a unique maritime legacy thanks to its connection with Lake Erie—one of the largest and most ecologically significant freshwater bodies in the world. These majestic lakes, which hold about 84% of North America's fresh surface water, have not only been the backbone of commerce and industry but have also inspired legends and stories of naval valor.

A Living Tribute to Service

The USS Lake Erie remains a potent symbol of dedication and bravery. It represents both the cutting-edge capabilities of today’s Navy and the enduring legacy of historical figures like Oliver Hazard Perry. Every mission and every journey at sea pays homage to the courageous men and women who continue to protect our freedoms.

Whether you’re a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the unique charm of Ohio’s lakeside culture, the story of the USS Lake Erie offers a fascinating glimpse into how tradition and technology unite to create a legacy that endures.

It was June 15, 1669, when French explorer Louis Jolliet became the first documented European to set eyes on Lake Erie—a landmark moment in North American exploration.

A Land of Ancient Inhabitants

Long before Jolliet’s arrival, the shores of what we now call Lake Erie were home to several Native American tribes. Among them, the Erie and Attawandaron tribes flourished, living off the lake’s abundant resources and maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring peoples. The Erie tribe, known for their neutrality, left such an enduring mark that the lake was later named after them. The name “Erie” is derived from the Iroquoian word “erielhonan,” which translates to “long tail,” evoking both a distinctive geographical feature and the heritage of its first inhabitants.

June 15, 1669: A Day of Discovery

On that memorable day, Louis Jolliet’s voyage opened a new chapter in the exploration of the Great Lakes region. While his time on Lake Erie was just one part of his extensive journey, it marked the beginning of European interest in a vast, resource-rich landscape that had been carefully nurtured by Native American societies for centuries.

Louis Jolliet
1645-1700

Louis Jolliet’s Continuing Legacy

Jolliet’s spirit of adventure and keen sense of discovery propelled him across North America. After charting the unknown waters of Lake Erie, he set his sights further south and embarked on an expedition to explore the Mississippi River. This venture not only expanded European maps of the continent but also laid the groundwork for future trade routes and cultural exchanges between European settlers and Native peoples. Later in life, Jolliet’s journeys took him even further north into Canada, where he continued to seek out new lands and experiences until his passing in 1700.

The Enduring Impact of Exploration

Jolliet’s discoveries contributed significantly to our understanding of North America. His initial foray into the Great Lakes region, particularly Lake Erie, opened the door for countless explorers and traders, whose journeys helped shape the economic and cultural development of the country. The legacy of Louis Jolliet and Lake Erie remains a fascinating chapter in North American history.

In 1892 the largest hotel in America to-date started construction, and opened its doors to the public in . This elegant and large hotel was called The Hotel Victory. Located on South Bass Island, near the city of Put-in-Bay, its launch was covered in papers across the nation. For a small sliver in time, the entire country was focused on the grand opening of this never-before-seen hotel.  

Hotel Design

The Hotel Victory was a marvelous design created by E.O. Fallis and The Feick Construction Company of Sandusky. The main building was a staggering 600 feet wide by 300 feet deep, this also included an inner courtyard that was 200 square feet in size.

Postcard from the Hotel Victory, Put-in-Bay, Ohio - Circa 1915

The Hotel Victory included 625 basic guest rooms and 80 suites, totaling a whopping 705 rooms. It also boasted modern features such as multiple elevators, bell boys on every floor, an indoor swimming pool, efficient steam heating, and electrical lighting. The hotel included multiple large dining halls that — when combined — could serve over a thousand guests at a time. 

Hotel Pricing

When the Hotel Victory opened its doors in 1896, their day-rate for a standard room was $2.50 and weekly rates ranged from $14.00 to $35.00. If you account for inflation today, the Hotel Victory would roughly cost you ~$76.00 a day, and weekly rates would range from ~$426.00 to ~$1,065.00 — which isn't terrible by today's standards, considering the amenities provided. 

Postcard from the Hotel Victory, Put-in-Bay, Ohio - Circa 1915

The Original Brochure

The Hotel Victory's brochure cover touts their claims of being The Superb Leader of all Lake Resorts and The Largest Summer Resort in the World. Featuring black and white photos of landmarks on the property and the views of Lake Erie from Put-in-Bay, Island. 

Would you stay at the Hotel Victory?

Hotel Victory’s original brochure proudly declared it “The Largest and Most Handsomely Furnished Summer Hotel in the World,” boasting that it was “Erected and furnished at a cost of over half a million dollars” The resort offered it all—grand social halls, sprawling indoor and outdoor dining areas, beach access, boating, private docks, and endless island exploration.

Click through the full Hotel Victory brochure below for a virtual tour and step back into the golden age of 1890s summer vacationing on Put-in-Bay.

Tragic Ending

An unknown fire started on August 14th, 1919 where flames originated from the top floor, spreading quickly throughout. Hotel visitors were notified and quickly exited the building. Today, little remains of the hotel. Parts of the swimming pool's concrete foundation can still be seen on the property.