The Battle of Lake Erie. When the War of 1812 began, Oliver Hazard Perry became commander of American forces on Lake Erie, stationed in Presque Isle, now Erie, Pennsylvania.He commissioned the building of nine ships, recruiting shipbuilders, blacksmiths, and other workers from throughout the region.hen the War of 1812 began, Oliver Hazard Perry became commander of American forces on Lake Erie, stationed in Presque Isle, now Erie, Pennsylvania.