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 captain—fearless even when facing the superior British Royal Navy—John 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
this page online
The Memorial
On April 17, 1912, President William Howard Taft dedicated this memorial. Jones is depicted standing defiantly upon the deck of the Bonhomme Richard during battle and is surrounded by nautical symbols and fountains. Jones' memorial honors someone who exemplified bravery, heroism, and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds.
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. 38° 53.31′ N, 77° 2.354′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is 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
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 8, 2009
2. John Paul Jones Memorial and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named John Paul Jones Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington: The Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington: The City (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington: The Man (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keeping the Cherry Trees Healthy (about 800 feet away); Lighting the Way (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
More about this memorial. 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 January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,844 times since then and 96 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. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
