Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"The First of Patriots - The Best of Men"
National Mall and Memorial Parks
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Commodore John Barry (1745-1803) was born in County Wexford, Ireland, but by age 15 called Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home. He commanded several Continental Navy ships during the Revolutionary War and won decisive victories over the British. In 1794, Barry received appointment as senior captain of the new United States Navy and President George Washington signed his commission.
Barry oversaw construction of and later commanded the frigate United States. During the Quasi-War with France, the Commodore commanded a naval squadron fighting the French in the West Indies from 1798-1800. Celebrated as a founder of the United States Navy, he was a gallant warrior, a guiding force in shipbuilding and supply, and mentor to the next generation of naval leaders.
On May 15, 1914, Admiral George Dewey, President Woodrow Wilson, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and Barry descendent Elise H. Hepburn unveiled the Barry Memorial. Numerous Irish-American and United States Navy groups joined the celebration honoring this great naval figure.
Sculptor John J. Boyle's Barry statue fittingly stands in Franklin Park, named in honor of Barry's fellow Philadelphian and American Revolution hero Benjamin Franklin.
[Captions:]
Grand Union Flag
Adopted in 1775 as the First National Flag of the United States
First Navy Jack
Symbolized the American spirit of liberty and resistance to tyranny.
Lexington Flag
Flown by Captain Barry from his Continental Navy brig in 1776.
Ranger Flag
Hoisted by Captain John Paul Jones from his sloop-of-war in 1778.
Alliance Flag
Flown from Continental Navy frigate Alliance 1779.
Erected 2012 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the DC, American Revolution Statuary, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1901.
Location. 38° 54.11′ N, 77° 1.906′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street Northwest and I Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north on 14th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Barry Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Written with Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Josephine Butler (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Chamberlin's (about 500 feet away); Elizabeth Keckley (about 600 feet away); Franklin Square (about 700 feet away); Major General James B. McPherson (about 700 feet away); The First Wireless Telephone Call (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to John Barry
Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 891 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 4, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.