Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Tripoli Monument
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
1. The Tripoli Monument Marker
The oldest military monument in the United States honors heroes of the War against the Barbary Coast Pirates, the new republic's first war. In 1804, President Jefferson ordered the nation's tiny naval force to the Mediterranean to protect the expanding trade of the new United States against the pirates, who demanded ransom for safe passage of merchant ships. “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute” became the rallying cry for this war. Jefferson's action established the doctrine of extension of power overseas, and created a permanent United States Navy.
On “the shores of Tripoli,” young Americans took brave actions against the pirates, including torching their own grounded vessel, the USS Philadelphia, to prevent its use by the pirates. Six men were killed before Tripoli's ‘pasha’ relented. Congress cited them for their gallantry, and Captain David Porter, one of the pirates captives, instituted a campaign for a monument to honor his former shipmates, now heroes.
The monument was carved in 1806 in Italy, of Carrera marble, and brought to the United States as ballast on board
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list.
Location. 38° 58.986′ N, 76° 29.254′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker can be reached from Decatur Road. On the Campus of the US Naval Academy Annapolis Maryland. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Tripoli Monument (here, next to this marker); Leahy Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Preble Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The English Frigate “Augusta” (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Naval Academy Museum (within shouting
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 15, 2013
2. The Tripoli Monument Marker
Additional keywords. First Barbary War
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 13, 2013
3. A Tripolitan Pirate
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 11, 2013
4. Commodore David Porter, USN
This painting of David Porter (February 1, 1780 — March 3, 1843) by an unknown artist hangs in the Naval Academy Museum Collection in Annapolis, Maryland.
“Born at Boston, Massachusetts, Porter served in the Quasi-War with France as midshipman on board Constellation, participating in the capture of L'Insurgente. During the Barbary Wars he was taken prisoner when Philadelphia ran aground in Tripoli harbor.
Following the War of 1812 he led the expedition to suppress piracy in the West Indies. He then served in the Mexican Navy as its commander-in-chief. He left the Mexican service in 1829 and was appointed United States Minister to the Barbary States. He died on March 3, 1843, while serving as United States Ambassador to Turkey.” — Naval Academy Museum.
“Born at Boston, Massachusetts, Porter served in the Quasi-War with France as midshipman on board Constellation, participating in the capture of L'Insurgente. During the Barbary Wars he was taken prisoner when Philadelphia ran aground in Tripoli harbor.
Following the War of 1812 he led the expedition to suppress piracy in the West Indies. He then served in the Mexican Navy as its commander-in-chief. He left the Mexican service in 1829 and was appointed United States Minister to the Barbary States. He died on March 3, 1843, while serving as United States Ambassador to Turkey.” — Naval Academy Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 704 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 28, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on January 14, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
