History

The need for the Camp was established during the Spanish-American War of 1898 when American naval gunnery and marksmanship skills proved to be deficient. In response, a Congressional Act of 1903 gave federal funding assistance to those state militias providing marksmanship instruction camps and practice rifle matches.

While duck hunting in the marshes along Lake Erie in 1905 General Ammon B. Critchfield, Adjutant General for the State of Ohio, located an ideal range site where all firing could be done from a common line directed toward the shoreline, maximizing natural light conditions.

In 1906, the State Legislature appropriated $25,000 to purchase over 300 acres of land for the state rifle range and camp. By the summer of 1907, the 200-, 600-, and 800-yard ranges were ready with parapets and 160 targets. During September, the National Rifle Matches were first held at the Camp.

By 1909, Camp Perry evolved into permanent camp with the largest and best equipped rifle and pistol ranges in the United States, if not the world. Four major ranges provided a total of 210 rifle and 20 revolver targets, all of which could be operated simultaneously.

The large mess hall was completed in 1909 using a new method of erecting pre-cast concrete walls.

Construction continued during the 1920’s. Eighteen company-sized frame mess halls were built. Later these were replaces by concrete clock construction. In addition, a landing field was constructed for the aircraft of the Observation Squadron. During the Depression, Words Progress Administration funds provided for the brick construction of the Commercial Center of Arcade, the Post Theatre and the Post Headquarters Building.

Camp Perry has played a role in federal service. During World War I it was used as a training center for officers and marksmanship instructors. The adjutant Erie Ordnance Depot west of Camp Perry was used to support weapons testing and development for the war effort.

During World War II, Camp Perry also served as a reception center for the new recruits and as a POW camp to house the many German and Italian prisoners of war. Many tar paper covered hutments constructed for housing these prisoners are still standing. Recently the construction of 200-person barracks and DCM (Director of Civilian Marksmanship) housing have replaces some of these huts.

After the war, camp usage decreased. However, the usage of the camp increased during the National Matches in 1968. Weekend range firing and use by civilian rifle teams has steadily increased. The complex is also used daily by non-military agencies.

During the 1980’s camp usage and new building projects continued. Barracks construction, new classroom facilities and a covered firing range were significant achievements of the decade. With new projects planned for the 1990’s the continuation of Army training requirements through the year 2000, and the predicted growth of the National Matches, Camp Perry will continue to provide civilian and military support into its second century of service.