Decatur in Macon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Stephen Decatur

1779-1820

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 16, 2015

1. Stephen Decatur Monument
(front side)

Inscription.
[front]
“Our country in her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right, but our country right or wrong.”

[back]Stephen Decatur
For whom this town was named in 1829
United States Naval Officer of passionate heart
and unlimited devotion to his native land
Hero of the War against Tripoli
his exploits helped to win for his young country
a place of respect among nations
and to earn lasting recognition
of the right of free movement over the seas
essential to the security and prosperity
of the United States of America

Presented to the people of Decatur by Mr. and Mrs. Guy N. Scovill
Erected 1952
John David Brcin, Sculptor

Erected 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. Guy N. Scovill, and the City of Decatur, Illinois.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 39° 50.631′ N, 88° 57.167′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Illinois, in Macon County. Memorial is on North Franklin Street (Business U.S. 51) just north of East William Street, on the right when traveling north. Monument is located near the northeast corner of the intersection.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur IL 62523, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Transfer House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Music Please, Maestro (about 500 feet away); Lincoln's Legacy (about 600 feet away); Birthplace of the Grand Army of the Republic (about 600 feet away); The Railsplitter Candidate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Finding the Biggest Man (approx. 0.2 miles away); Choosing a President (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wake Up, Lincoln! (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.

Also see . . .
1. Stephen Decatur (Wikipedia). Promoted at age 25, he is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy. He served under three presidents, and played a major role in the early development of the American navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. (Submitted on March 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. First Barbary War (Wikipedia). On the night of 16 February 1804, Captain Stephen Decatur led a small detachment of U.S. Marines aboard the captured Tripolitan ketch rechristened USS Intrepid,

Stephen Decatur Monument<br>(<i>back side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 16, 2015

2. Stephen Decatur Monument
(back side)

thus deceiving the guards on Philadelphia to float close enough to board her. Decatur's men stormed the ship and overpowered the Tripolitan sailors. The First Barbary War showed that America could execute a war far from home, and that American forces had the cohesion to fight together as Americans rather than separately as Georgians, New Yorkers, etc. The United States Navy and Marines became a permanent part of the American government and American history, and Decatur returned to the U.S. as its first post-revolutionary war hero. (Submitted on March 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Stephen Decatur Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 16, 2015

3. Stephen Decatur Statue

Stephen Decatur Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 16, 2015

4. Stephen Decatur Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.