Erie Proving Ground

Erie Proving Ground
Erie Township, Ottawa County
Aerial view of Erie Proving Ground when it was known as Camp Perry.
TypeDepot
Site history
Built1906 (as camp)
In use1918–1967 (as depot)

Erie Proving Ground is a decommissioned United States Army facility. Originally a camp to train gunners, the facility's foundation was due to the Spanish–American War's lack of skilled riflemen.[1] The facility was located in Ottawa County, Ohio. The facility was established in 1918 originally as Camp Perry Proving Ground. The facility was at various times named Erie Ordnance Depot and Erie Army Depot. During World War II over 5,000 people ended up being employed there.[2] The employed people were testing various weapon systems, armor, and such during World War II.[3] During peacetime it served as a storage, maintenance, and repair facility.[4] Erie Proving Ground closed in January 1967.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Remarkable Ohio". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2012. A lack of soldiers with marksmanship skills in the Spanish–American War led to the founding of Camp Perry in 1906.
  2. ^ "Erie Proving Ground - Ohio Historical Markers on Waymarking.com". Retrieved 5 November 2012. Over 5,000 persons were employed during World War II.
  3. ^ "Fox Movietone News, Vol. 25 No. 77, Tuesday Jun. 1, 1943". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
  4. ^ "Erie Proving Ground - Ohio Historical Markers on Waymarking.com". Retrieved 5 November 2012. Served as a storage, maintenance, and repair facility during peacetime.
  5. ^ "Erie Proving Ground - Ohio Historical Markers on Waymarking.com". Retrieved 5 November 2012. Closed January, 1967.

41°32′18.5″N 83°2′6″W / 41.538472°N 83.03500°W / 41.538472; -83.03500