Penn's Landing in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Commodore John Barry (1745 - 1803)

First Flag Office of the United States Navy

Commodore John Barry Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Philip Gilson, September 3, 2014

1. Commodore John Barry Marker

Inscription. Following the creation of the US Navy in 1794 under President Washington, Barry was appointed first commissioned officer and secretary. He oversaw construction of the nation's first fleet. He won numerous naval victories during the American Revolution, many on the Delaware River. Irish-born Barry came to Philadelphia as a youth and assumed command of this first ship at age 21. He remained in naval service until his death at Strawberry Mansion.

Erected 2014 by PA Historic & Museum Commission. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.

Location. 39° 56.695′ N, 75° 8.511′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Penn's Landing. Marker is at the intersection of S Columbus Blvd and Dock Street, on the right when traveling north on S Columbus Blvd. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Penn's Landing, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Christopher Columbus (within shouting distance of this marker); Philadelphia Beirut Bombing Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Philadelphia Korean War Memorial at Penn's Landing (about 400 feet away); Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Cruiser Olympia - Submarine Becuna (about 500 feet away); Tidal Delaware Water Trail (about 500 feet away); Tồ Quốc Ghi O'n (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . .
1. John Barry - Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. John Barry, Naval History and Heritage Command. (Submitted on August 8, 2019.)

Commodore John Barry (1745 - 1803) Marker image. Click for full size.

National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, January 6, 2019

2. Commodore John Barry (1745 - 1803) Marker

Viewing marker from the south on South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

Photographed By Philip Gilson, May 10, 2014

3. Commodore John Barry (1745 - 1803) Marker

Replica of Commission No. 1 signed by George Washington making Barry the first flag officer of the US Navy. Located at US Naval Academy visitors gate in Annapolis, Maryland, USA.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2014, by Philip Gilson of Brooklyn, New York. This page has been viewed 651 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on September 13, 2014, by Philip Gilson of Brooklyn, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on September 8, 2014, by Philip Gilson of Brooklyn, New York. 2. submitted on August 8, 2019. 3. submitted on September 13, 2014, by Philip Gilson of Brooklyn, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.