Did you know there was a POW camp in Ohio? During World War II, the Buckeye State housed both German and Italian prisoners of war. Some of these prisoners worked at the Erie Proving Ground in Ottawa County. During WWII, it was known as Camp Perry Proving Ground and it was one of the largest OH POW camps. This historic place in Ohio is fascinating to both World War II and Ohio history buffs alike!

Despite this being one of the most historical places in Ohio, it's unknown to many residents. Camp Perry Proving Ground was established in 1918.
Ohio Historical Society/Wikimedia Commons
There were several other POW camps in Ohio during this time period. Other prisoners were located in Bowling Green, Celina, and Defiance.
Camp Perry Proving Ground was located in Ottawa County and was intended to train gunners. More than 5,000 people were employed here during World War II, and some of them were Italian and German POWs.
Miami U. Libraries - Digital Collections/Wikimedia Commons
These POWs were sent to America because it was difficult for Americans to feed and house the men in North Africa and Italy. Additionally, the U.S. military hoped that by keeping POWs, the resolve of other enlisted enemy soldiers would be weakened.
Pictured is the rifle range at Camp Perry. The facility officially closed in 1967; by that time, it was simply known as Erie Proving Ground.
United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division/Wikimedia Commons
Erie Proving Ground also served as a storage, maintenance, and repair facility after the war.

Related Stories

Some People Don't Know That Ohio Was The First To Do These 11 Things

Some People Don't Know That Ohio Was The First To Do These 11 Things

 Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City In Ohio Even Exists

Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City In Ohio Even Exists

 A UFO Was Sighted In Ohio 50 Years Ago And It's One Of The Most Credible UFO Sightings In History

A UFO Was Sighted In Ohio 50 Years Ago And It's One Of The Most Credible UFO Sightings In History
By 1943, there were more than 8,000 Germans and Italians in OH POW camps.
Miami U. Libraries - Digital Collections/Wikimedia Commons
Those residing at POW camps in Ohio were from all ranks of the military, but the majority were officers.
POWs that worked at Camp Perry reconditioned weapons and shipped supplies to soldiers overseas.
The Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
After Italy surrendered, many of the Italians continued to work in their positions at American camps to aid the American war effort.
The soldiers that were POWs in Ohio were guarded at night and slept in camps. However, during the day, most of them worked in farm fields, factories, or at the Erie Proving Ground in Camp Perry.
National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons

Did you know about the history of this POW camp in Ohio? Share your thoughts about this historic place with us in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

historic places in ohio

Sarah | September 03, 2021

What are some other historical places in Ohio that are worth a visit?

If the old POW camp in Ohio sparked your curiosity about Ohio history, you'll definitely want to check out these 15 must-see historical places in Ohio. From the birthplaces of individuals that changed the course of history of our nation to the mysterious effigy mounds that give us clues about those who came before us, there's just so much to learn here in the Buckeye State. Some of our favorite historical places to visit include Serpent Mound, the largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the entire world; the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus; and the Rutherford B. Hayes Home in Fremont. But if you're a history buff, you'll definitely want to visit them all!

What are some interesting facts about Ohio?

Here's a fun fact about Ohio: an Ohioan invented the world’s first cash register! This is a little-known piece of Ohio history that’s downright fascinating. James Ritty of Dayton, Ohio, is credited with inventing the cash register and it was first used in the Miners’ Supply Co. in Coalton. Curious to learn more? Here’s how this one-of-a-kind, ubiquitous invention got its start in Ohio.

What are some cool historical sites in Ohio?

Ohio is full of historical sites, and some of the coolest can be found out on the trails. When you want a little more adventure than the average hiking trail, consider hiking a trail that leads somewhere historic... or even ancient. Here are nine of our favorite Ohio hiking trails that lead to some incredible pieces of history. Spoiler alert: the North Shore Loop Trail within Kelleys Island State Park is a must; it's a one-mile trail that weaves through the island's quarry history and ruins, with so much to see along the way! Of course, the eponymous Ohio History Center is a one-stop-shop for all things historical in the Buckeye State; here you'll learn about everything from the discovery of ancient Indian cultures and artifacts to the history of farming and public transportation!

Related Articles

Explore Ohio

Featured Addresses
Ottawa County, OH, USA