St. Michaels in Talbot County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Freedom's Figurehead
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 23, 2012
1. Freedom's Figurehead Marker
Where did such a big figurehead come from? A big ship? In this case, it was made for a relatively small vessel -- the 88-foot schooner yacht Freedom. But yacht designer John G. Alden never intended Freedom to have a figurehead when she was built in 1931.
Just before World War II, the schooner was given to the U.S. Naval Academy to train midshipmen in sailing. One of Freedom's captains requested a figurehead, and the Academy's patternmaker, John M. Cook, made a big one. After a few years, it was removed to the Naval Academy Museum as it added 450 pounds to the bow and was vulnerable to damage.
"[M]idshipmen entered the Museum where the Freedom figurehead was and rubbed their hands on the large bosoms for luck. One Midshipman wrote his mother and told her what he did and the luck he had. Apparently his mother didn't agree. She wrote the Admiral a letter and the Admiral's orders were, 'Move it.'"
From a 1984 letter by carver John M. Cook, describing Freedom's loan to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
[caption] Made c. 1950 by by John M. Cook
On loan from the U.S. Naval Academy Museum.
[caption] Schooner Freedom with the figurehead in place.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels
this page online
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 47.234′ N, 76° 13.249′ W. Marker was in St. Michaels, Maryland, in Talbot County. It could be reached from Cherry Street. Along the waterfront in front of Dodson House at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Saint Michaels MD 21663, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on the Eastern Shore. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Navy Point Historic Houses (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named What's under your feet? (a few steps from this marker); Oystering on the Chesapeake (a few steps from this marker); "O! say can you see " (a few steps from this marker); Deflecting the Enemy (a few steps from this marker); War in the Chesapeake (a few steps from this marker); From Seafood Packing to Tourism (a few steps from this marker); John Smith Shallop (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Michaels.
Other markers no longer nearby. Navy Point Historic Houses (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed);
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 23, 2012
2. Freedom's Figurehead Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Additional keywords. Freedom's Figurehead
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 23, 2012
3. Freedom's Figurehead Marker in front of Dodson House
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 23, 2012
4. Freedom's Figurehead
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 710 times since then and 67 times this year. Last updated on October 24, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 24, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
