Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
John Paul Jones House
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
1. John Paul Jones House Marker
Erected 1911 by Daughters of the American Revolution, Betty Washington Lewis Chapter.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list.
Location. 38° 17.935′ N, 77° 27.386′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard (U.S. 1) and Caroline Street (Business U.S. 17), on the right when traveling north on Lafayette Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. c. 1821 (a few steps from this marker); 1787 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1854 / 1925 (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fredericksburg, Va (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fredericksburg's Rail Station (about 300 feet away); c. 1816 (about 400 feet away); Thornton's Tavern
this page online
Also see . . . Newspaper article announcing the marker's dedication. Note, while it states 1910 on the tablet, it was not installed until November 25, 1911. The article reads:
Honor Naval Hero
Tablet Now Marks House Where John Paul Jones Lived.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va., November 25 - "The only home in America of John Paul Jones" was marked appropriately today when a bronze tablet was unveiled on the house here where the famous American naval hero lived when in 1775 he was appointed a lieutenant in the continental navy. The tablet was erected by the Betty Washington Lewis Chaptet of the Daughters of the American Revolution and unveiled by little Miss Josephine Carter Barney, a descendant of a long line of distinguished naval heroes.
Judge John T. Goolrick delivered the introductory address. He stated that John Paul Jones had been a citizen of Virginia and a resident of Fredericksburg during the entire period of his abode in this country. William Paul, the only brother of the commodore, he said, kept a store and tailor shop in the house upon which the tablet was erected. John Paul Jones came here in 1760, remaining about four years, and
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
2. Location of Tablet
The tablet is mounted on the side of the house at the intersection.
Gift of Fredericksburg.
Ben P. Willis of the Fredericksburg oar made the dedicatory address. He said, in part:
"It was Fredericksburg that gave to America the head of her armies. In the war of independence, in the person of Washington, and it was Fredericksburg that furnished her navy the greatest commander of that war, in the person of John Paul Jones.
“While American patriots were busy fighting the British on land, others, equally brave, were fighting them at sea. As soon as the war began Congress gave seamen letters of marque, which were permissions to attack and seize any British vessel they met. The bravest and best known of all the American seamen of this time was John Paul Jones.
“Perhaps Paul Jones' most brilliant achievement was his signal victory in the famous battle with the Serapis. It was after sunset on the 23d of September, 1779, and a full moon had arisen, when the Bon Homme Richard came within hail of the Serapis, a British man-of-war, off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire.
3. The John Paul Jones House ca. 1910
(Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, Horydczak Collection, LC-H813-1239.)
British Forced to Yield.
"Such was Jones' pluck that the British commander was forced to yield, but as he gave up his sword he haughtily said: 'It is with great reluctance that I surrender mv sword to a man who fights with a halter around his neck.' Jones returned the weapon, politely saying: 'Capt Pearson, you have fought like a hero, and 1 have no doubt that your sovereign will reward you for it in the most ample manner.’
"The news of Paul Jones' victory caused great rejoicings both in America and in France, and upon his return to the latter country he was invited to court with r Franklin. Louis XVI heard Jones' account of the fight, presented him a sword and informed him that his enemy, Capt. Pearson, had just been knighted by George III for his intrepid action and had received a new
Photographed By Craig Swain, December 13, 2008
4. William Paul Headstone
In the nearby St. George's Episcopal Church is this memorial to John Paul Jones' brother.
"Upon his return to America, at the close of the war. Congress gave him a vote of thanks, and he would have been further honored, but, being offered an important command by the Empress of Russia against the Turks. In the Black sea, he accepted with the stipulation 'that he was never to renounce the title of an American citizen.' "
The inscription on the tablet is as follows: "This tablet marks the only home in America of John Paul Jones. He was appointed a lieutenant in the continental navy while still a resident of Virginia." (Submitted on May 18, 2017, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,679 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
