Cleveland’s Historical Significance

For more than two centuries, the City of Cleveland and the United States Navy have shared a rich history. On September 10, 1813, just 70 miles west of this point, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry defeated a British Royal Navy squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie, a turning point in the War of 1812. In the Civil War, hundreds of men from Cuyahoga County served in the United States Navy, and those who gave their lives in defense of the Union are memorialized less than a mile south of here at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial.

During the twentieth century, the United States Navy honored our city and its people on three occasions by naming a warship CLEVELAND. These were C-19, a protected cruiser that served in World War I; CL-55, the lead ship of the Cleveland-class of light cruisers that saw significant action in World War II, earning 13 battle stars; and LPD-7, an amphibious transport dock whose decorated service spanned a remarkable 44 years from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom.

This Lone Sailor Statue serves as a tribute to all the men and women from Cleveland who have worn the cloth of the nation as members of America’s Sea Services, including those who sacrificed their lives in advancing the cause of freedom at home and abroad.