The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John Paul Jones Memorial
National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, April 8, 2009
1. John Paul Jones Memorial Marker
"Every officer in our navy should know by heart the deeds of John Paul Jones,"
President Theodore Roosevelt.
The American Revolution
A bold captainfearless even when facing the superior British Royal NavyJohn Paul Jones ensured his place in American memory.
John Paul Jones
1747-192
Jones, a recent Scottish immigrant, readily accepted an appointment in the new Continental Navy following the start of the American Revolution. He captained several ships during the war and became a celebrated hero. Jones' voyage to fame became a familiar story to immigrants who succeeded through personal achievement instead of inherited right of birth.
In 1779 while captaining the Bonhomme Richard, Jones captured the H.M.S. Serapis during a spectacular and bloody engagement fought within view of the British shore. Dubbed "the pirate, Paul Jones," Jones's exploits reminded British citizens they were not immune from the effects of war. Perhaps Jones' greatest contribution toward American independence was that he became a hero precisely when the cause needed one.
The Memorial
On April 17, 1912, President William Howard Taft dedicated this memorial. Jones is depicted standing defiantly upon the deck
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the DC, American Revolution Statuary, the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #27 William Howard Taft series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1713.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 53.31′ N, 77° 2.354′ W. Marker was in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in The National Mall. It was at the intersection of 17th Street Southwest and Independence Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling north on 17th Street Southwest. Marker is accessible to pedestrians from the sidewalk at the intersection, on the northeast corner, off the transition lane from Independence Avenue to 17th Street. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Washington DC 20006, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial was in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, 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.
Other nearby markers.
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, April 8, 2009
2. John Paul Jones Memorial and Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Why is the Washington Monument Temporarily Closed? (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); A Monumental Legacy (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker's background painting is a depiction of "Action Between the Serapis and Bonhomme Richard" by Richard Paton, published 1780.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2015
3. John Paul Jones
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 31, 2015
4. Dolphin Fountain
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,270 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on January 1, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on September 28, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
